r; 


:;. 


University  of  California  •  Berkeley 


Dr.  Alexander  Anderson  at  the  age  of  ninety-two. 


LIFE  AND  WORKS 


Alexander  Anderson,  M.D. 


FIRST  AMERICAN  WOOD  ENGRAVER. 

BY 

FREDERIC  M.  BURR,  A.M., 
(Member  of  New    York    Historical   Society.) 


THREE   PORTRAITS   OF   DR.    ANDERSON,    AND    OVER    THIRT\ 
ENGRAVINGS  BY  HIMSELF. 


NEW  YORK 

BURR     BROTHERS 

.893. 


ASS  6 


7  2~iT 

Only. .  /..  rT?r. .  .copies  of  this  work 
have  been  printed. 

This  copy  is  No. . ./.  [7^9.. 


ft\.  7SL*^-^-^v_  _ 


COPYRIGHT 
By  FREDERIC   M.  BURR. 

■893- 


y»»*&S$ft3 


From  "  The  Looking  Glass  for  the  Mind."    One  of  Dr.  Anderson's  earliest  wood-cuts. 


PREFACE. 


A  distinguished  author  has  said  that  illustration 
stands  second  only  to  printing  as  a  means  of  civili- 
zation. We  should  therefore  regard  the  men  who 
place  the  beauties  of  art  within  the  reach  of  the 
multitude  as  most  important  factors  in  the  improve- 
ment of  the  world.  In  this  work  the  Father  of 
American  Wood-Engraving  took  a  prominent  part, 
accomplishing  for  his  native  country  what  Bewick 
had  already  done  for  England. 

The  opportunities  for  studying  the  life  and  char- 
acter of  this  interesting  man  have  been  very  limit- 
ed, as  the  only  information  generally  accessible  was 


M110885 


IV  PREFACE. 

contained  in  a  Memorial  written  by  Benson  J. 
Lossing,  the  historian,  and  read  before  the  New 
York  Historical  Society  in  1870.  This  was  printed 
for  the  subscribers  and  had  a  small  circulation.  In 
addition  several  fugitive  articles  have  appeared  in 
different  periodicals,  and  the  "  History  of  American 
Wood-Engraving"  contains  a  brief  account  of  its 
founder. 

In  preparing  the  present  work,  the  author  has 
carefully  studied  the  existing  material,  and  has 
made  numerous  extracts  from  the  Diary  of  Dr. 
Anderson  for  the  years  1795-1798.  These  extracts 
are  particularly  interesting  as  throwing  a  side  light 
on  the  details  of  an  uneventful  but  worthy  and  use- 
ful career. 

The  illustrations,  nearly  forty  in  number,  have 
been  selected  as  showing  his  progress  in  the  art 
from  his  earliest  wood-cuts  for  "  The  Looking  Glass 
for  the  Mind"  to  his  own  portrait,  engraved  in  his 
best  style  in  his  eighty-first  year. 

Thanks  are  due  to  the  many  kind  friends  who 
have  given  their  advice  and  assistance,  and  the 
author  gladly  takes  this  opportunity  of  acknowledg- 
ing his  special  obligation  to  the  following  gentle- 
men :  To  Mr.  George  H.  Baker,  Librarian  of  Co- 
lumbia College,  for  the  unrestricted  use  of  Dr.  An- 


PREFACE.  V 

derson's  Diary,  now  preserved  in  manuscript  in  the 
Phoenix  Collection ;  to  Mr.  William  Kelby,  Libra- 
rian of  the  New  York  Historical  Society,  for  much 
valuable  information,  and  to  Mr.  W.  W.  Pasko  of 
"  The  Typothetse."  F.  M.  B. 

New  York,  March,  1893. 


From  "  The  Looking  Glass  for.the  Mind.*'    One  of  Dr.  Anderson's  earliest  wood-cuts. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

PAGE 

Childhood  and  Youth 13 

CHAPTER  II. 
Early  Medical  Studies 19 

CHAPTER  III. 
First  Engravings  on  Wood 30 

CHAPTER  IV. 
The  Epidemic  of  1795 37 

CHAPTER  V. 
His  Marriage  and  Early  Sorrow  45 

CHAPTER  VI. 

Established  as  an  Engraver 56 

CHAPTER  VII. 
Closing  Years  of  his   Life 64 

APPENDIX  A. 
Autobiography  of  Dr.   Anderson 79 

APPENDIX  B. 
Extracts  from  Dr.  Anderson's  Diary  for  the  Years 
1795-1798 93 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 


PAGE 

Portrait  op  Dr.  Anderson  at  the  age  op  ninety-two, 
drawn  by  August  Wii-l  and  engraved  by  Elias  J.  Whit- 
ney  Frontispiece. 

Illustration  from  "  The  Looking  Glass  for  the  Mind" iii 

Another  Illustration  from  ' '  The  Looking  Glass  for  the 

Mind" v 

Title-Page  from  "  The  Life  of  Benjamin  Franklin" 15 

Death's  Pulpit,  drawn  and  engraved  by  Dr.  Anderson 21 

Holy  Family,  drawn  and  engraved  by  Dr.  Anderson 27 

A  Deer,  an  early  engraving  by  Dr.  Anderson 33 

Portrait  of  Benjamin  Franklin 39 

Cottage  Scene,  an  early  engraving  by  Dr.  Anderson 44 

Illustration  from  "  The  Life  of  Benjamin  Franklin" 47 

Cottage  Scene,  an  early  engraving  by  Dr.  Anderson 51 

Shepherd  Dog,  an  early  engraving  by  Dr.  Anderson 55 

Facsimile  op  a  page  from  "  The  Illustrated  Primer" 59 

Group  of  Sheep,  an  early  engraving  by  Dr.  Anderson 65 

Engraving  Tools  used  by  Dr.  Anderson  ;  from  a  photo- 
graph   71 

An  Early  Engraving  by  Dr.  Anderson 74 

Boating  Scene,  an  early  engraving  by  Dr.  Anderson 75 

Portrait  of    Dr.   Anderson    at  the    age  of    forty-four, 

DRAWN  BY  BllOWERE 81 

Boy  and  Swan,  an  early  engraving  by  Dr.  Anderson. 87 

An  Early  Engraving  by  Dr.  Anderson 90 

Illustration  from  "  The  Life  of  Benjamin  Franklin" 97 

Country  Scene,  an  early  engraving  by  Dr.  Anderson 103 


X  ILLUSTRATIONS. 

PAGE 

"  A  Lover's  Complaint,"  an  early  engraving  by  Dr.  Ander- 
son    109 

Cat  and  Mouse,  an  early  engraving  by  Dr.  Anderson 117 

Illustration  from  "  The  Life  of  Benjamin  Franklin" 125 

An  Early  Engraving  by  Dr.  Anderson 131 

Rural  Scene,  an  early  engraving  by  Dr.  Andehson 135 

King  Lear,  from  Messrs.  Cooledge  &  Brother's  edition  of 

Shakespeare 145 

Garden  Scene,  an  early  engraving  by  Dr.  Anderson 153 

Illustration  from  "  The  Life  of  Benjamin  Franklin" 161 

Portrait  of   Dr.   Anderson,   engraved  by  himself  in  his 

eighty-first  year 169 

A  Happy  Family,  an  early  engraving  by  Dr.  Anderson 173 

Rural  Scene,  an  early  engraving  by  Dr.  Anderson 181 

Two  Illustrations  from  the  Old  Testament 189 

Country  Scene,  an  early  engraving  by  Dr.  Anderson 197 

The  Widow  and  Orphans,  an  early  engraving  by  Dr.  An- 
derson      210 


With  the  exception  of  the  Frontispiece,  the  half -tone  picture  of  the  engraving  took  on 
page  71,  and  the  portrait  on  page  81,  the  illustrations  in  this  volume  were  all  engraved 
by  Br.  Anderson. 


LIFE    AND    WORKS 


OF 


ALEXANDER  ANDERSON,  M.D. 


LIFE  AND  WORKS 

OF 


ALEXANDER  ANDERSON,  M.D. 


CHAPTER   I. 

CHILDHOOD    AND    YOUTH. 

Alexander  Anderson  was  born  in  New  York, 
April  21st,  1775,  in  an  humble  abode  near  Beek- 
raan's  Slip.  His  father,  a  Scotchman,  was  thorough- 
ly imbued  with  republican  principles,  which  he  ex- 
pressed so  boldly  in  a  paper  published  by  himself, 
entitled  "The  Constitutional  Gazette,"  that  he  soon 
became  famous  as  "John  Anderson,  the  rebel 
printer."  His  fearless  utterances  were  highly  ob- 
noxious to  the  reigning  power,  and,  as  the  strife 
grew  more  bitter,  he  decided  that  discretion  was 
the  better  part  of  valor,  and  made  preparations  for 
flight. 

He  succeeded  in  reaching  Fort  Washington 
(now  Washington  Heights),  with  all  his  household 


H  ,'    ,'.    .\        ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

possessions  ;*  but  there  his  wagons  and  the  greater 
part  of  his  effects  were  confiscated  for  the  public 
service  by  the  American  forces.  At  last,  after 
many  trials,  he  reached  Greenwich,  Conn.,  and 
just  in  time,  for  his  slender  store,  in  the  paper 
money  that  was  even  then  rapidly  depreciating,  was 
almost  exhausted.  His  family  found  a  refuge  with 
kind  friends,  while  he  made  himself  useful  as  cap- 
tain of  the  "  alarm  list"  on  the  debatable  ground. 
After  the  war  he  returned  to  New  York,  and  final- 
ly settled  down  to  the  business  of  an  auctioneer. 

Young  Alexander  at  a  very  early  age  showed  a 
fondness  for  that  art  to  which  he  was  destined  to 
devote  his  life.  During  the  long  winter  evenings 
he  would  draw  his  stool  close  to  the  crackling  logs 
upon  the  wide  hearth,  and  gaze  with  mingled  feel- 
ings of  curiosity  and  disgust  upon  the  roughly  exe- 
cuted Dutch  tiles  that  surrounded  the  fireplace.  He 
felt  instinctively  that  they  were  badly  drawn,  and 
as  he  studied  the  uncouth  forms  half  revealed  by 
the  flickering  light,  the  correct  principles  of  design 
began  slowly  to  dawn  upon  him. 

Sometimes  his  mother,  to  help  while  away  the 
time,  would  draw  faces  and  flowers,  using  indigo 
dissolved  in  water  in  lieu  of  ink.  A  few  type-met- 
al ornaments  saved  from  the  printing  office   helped 


BY 


T****" 


From  "  The  Life  of  Benjamin  Franklin,"  engraved  by  Dr.  Anderson  for 
Messrs.  Cooledge  &  Brother,  about  1848. 


CHILDHOOD   AND   YOUTH.  17 

still  further  to  stimulate  his  natural  bent.  In 
speaking  of  that  period,  in  after  life,  he  said  to  a 
friend:  "I  recollect  being  allowed  an  occasional 
peep  at  a  considerable  pile  of  prints,  such  as  were 
issued  from  the  London  shops,  among  which  were 
Hogarth's  illustrations  of  the  careers  of  the  Idle 
and  Industrious  Apprentices,  which  made  a  strong 
impression  upon  my  mind.  These  prints  deter- 
mined my  destiny."  We  can  imagine  the  eager 
boy  bending  over  these  masterpieces,  #nd  following 
out  each  line  and  curve,  with  the  close  attention  of 
the  true  artist. 

He  was  not  content,  however,  with  merely  study- 
ing the  pictures  to  which  he  had  access,  but  often 
amused  himself  by  copying  them,  employing  for 
that  purpose  a  brush  and  India  ink,  and  faithfully 
reproducing  every  line.  He  was  ignorant  of  the 
means  employed  in  making  the  engravings,  and  it 
was  only  through  the  kindness  of  a  schoolmate, 
who  had  seen  a  description  of  it  in  Chambers's 
Cyclopedia,  that  he  learned  the  process  of  produc- 
tion. He  immediately  carried  some  large  copper 
pennies  to  a  silversmith,  and  had  them  rolled  into 
thin  plates,  upon  which  he  made  his  iirst  engrav- 
ings, using  as  a  graver  the  back-spring  of  a  pocket- 
knife  ground  to  a  sharp  point.     He  was  then  only 


18  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

twelve  years  of  age,  but  already  showed  that  seri- 
ous disposition  and  earnest  application  to  work  for 
which  he  was  afterward  noted.  At  school  he  was 
a  diligent  student,  and  attained  to  some  proficiency 
in  the  study  of  Greek  and  Latin. 

He  was  so  anxious  to  see  the  effect  of  his  first 
plate,  a  head  of  Paul  Jones,  that  he  constructed  a 
rude  roller-press  in  the  garret  of  his  father's  house, 
and  secured  an  impression  in  red  oil  paint. 

What  a  trying  moment  it  must  have  been  for  the 
young  enthusiast !  With  trembling  hand  he  care- 
fully fills  the  lines  of  the  plate  with  oil  paint  (the 
only  material  he  can  obtain) ;  then  lays  the  paper, 
slightly  dampened,  upon  it,  and,  last  of  all,  applies 
the  cumbrous  roller.  Will  the  experiment  suc- 
ceed ?  It  must  succeed,  for  he  feels  that  his  whole 
future  depends  upon  it.  He  removes  the  roller, 
raises  the  paper,  and  sees  with  rapture  his  first 
print. 

He  afterward  hired  a  blacksmith  to  make  him 
better  tools,  and  with  these  cut  a  number  of  small 
pictures  of  houses  and  ships  on  type-metal,  which 
he  disposed  of  in  the  newspaper  ofiices.  The  pay 
was  small,  but  as  only  one  other  person  was  en- 
gaged in  the  same  work  in  New  York,  he  began  to 
feel  "  of  some  consequence." 


CHAPTER   IT. 

EARLY    MEDICAL    STUDIES. 

His  father,  having  observed  that  he  took  great 
pleasure  in  studying  and  copying  the  illustrations 
of  some  medical  works,  determined  to  educate  him 
for  the  profession  of  medicine,  as  he  had  no  confi- 
dence in  the  success  of  his  artistic  aspirations. 
Alexander  left  his  workshop  under  the  eaves  soon 
after  his  fourteenth  birthday,  and  entered  as  a 
student  the  office  of  Dr.  Joseph  Young,  who  had 
been  a  surgeon  in  the  Continental  army,  and  was  a 
brother-in-law  of  General  Schuyler. 

The  young  engraver  had  taken  this  step  with 
great  reluctance  at  his  father's  command  ;  but  he 
found  Dr.  Young  so  uniformly  kind  and  pleasant 
that  he  soon  ceased  to  repine  at  the  change,  and 
applied  himself  diligently  to  his  work.  For  the 
next  five  years  both  mind  and  body  were  busily 
employed.  At  that  period  medical  men  combined 
the  duties  of  their  profession  with  the  occupations 
of  the  apothecary,  and  the  young  student  was  fre- 
quently called  upon  to  add  the  labors  of  a  porter  to 


2()  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

those  of  a  clerk,  delivering  the  medicines  he  had 
already  compounded. 

Notwithstanding  his  many  cares,  he  did  not 
entirely  abandon  his  favorite  pursuit,  and  in  the 
intervals  of  study  diligently  plied  his  graver,  becom- 
ing so  proficient  in  cutting  initial  letters  that  he 
was  frequently  employed  for  that  purpose  by  other 
engravers  before  he  was  eighteen  years  old.  In  -order 
to  take  advantage  of  every  spare  moment,  he  was 
accustomed  to  carry  his  tools  in  his  pocket,  together 
with  any  block  upon  which  he  happened  to  be 
engaged.  This  practice  was  continued  until  he  fell- 
downstairs  one  day,  and  was  severely  injured  by 
the  sharp  point  of  the  graver.  The  recompense  for 
his  art  labors  was  small,  but  it  was  sufficient  to  keep 
him  decently  clothed  and  to  pay  for  several  courses 
of  medical  lectures. 

During  this  period  he  used  his  pen  as  well  as  his 
pencil,  and  in  1*708  his  first  composition  in  print  ap- 
peared, being  "  An  Authentic,  Surprising,  and  Won- 
derful Account  of  the  Unaccountable  Old  Man  in 
the  Highlands  of  Harlem  Flats.1'  He  speaks  slight- 
ingly of  this  performance,  and  it  is  probable  it  was 
a  very  crude  effort. 

It  was  about  this  same  time  that  he  seems  to  have 
felt  the  first  stirrings  of  the  "  divine  passion.'1     One 


"  Death's  Pulpit,"  drawn  and  engraved  by  Dr.  Anderson*,, 
after  a  print  by  Van  Veiine. 


EARLY   MEDICAL   STUDIES.  23 

day  when  he  was  walking  on  the  Battery  with  his 
brother  and  cousin  he  espied  a  beautiful  young 
woman,  a  Miss  Hall,  strolling  along  the  crowded 
walks  in  company  with  an  acquaintance,  whom  he 
speaks  of  as  Borrowe,  a  sail-maker.  Her  pleasing 
features  and  graceful  manners  made  a  strong  impres- 
sion on  his  susceptible  heart — always  responsive  to 
female  charms ;  and  he  made  the  following  entry  in 
his  diary  for  that  date :  "  I  was  irresistibly  attracted 
toward  her — irresistibly  do  I  say  ?  I  laughed  at 
myself  and  began  to  think  I  must  put  an  end  to 
these  feelings  and  not  endeavor  to  persuade  myself 
I  was  in  love.  Implored  divine  protection  and  guid- 
ance. "  He  appears  to  have  been  successful  in  his 
efforts,  for  we  hear  no  more  of  the  charming  Miss 
Hall. 

In  the  midst  of  his  numerous  avocations  he  found 
time  for  long  strolls  in  the  country  with  his  brother, 
a  young  law  student ;  and  he  speaks  of  shooting 
snipe  at  Corlear's  Hook,  now  the  foot  of  Grand 
Street  and  East  River.  Amiable  and  generous  in 
his  disposition,  he  devoted  much  of  his  leisure  to 
attending  the  poor  and  giving  medical  assistance  to 
his  friends.  Essentially  gregarious  in  his  character, 
and  requiring  congenial  companionship  to  develop 
his   faculties   to  the  utmost,  he   also  possessed    an 


24  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

eager  and  active  mind,  and  his  reading  extended 
over  a  wide  range  of  subjects,  including,  among 
others,  Medicine,  Surgery,  Chemistry,  Natural  Phi- 
losophy, Natural  History,  Theology,  Biography, 
History,  Travels,  General  Sciences,  Belles-lettres, 
Mechanics,  and  Fiction.  He  was  exceedingly  fond 
of  music,  and  played  daily  on  the  violin,  in  which 
accomplishment  he  seems  to  have  had  considerable 
skill. 

Although  barely  eighteen  he  was  serious  and 
earnest  in  his  manner,  and  even  his  amusements 
were  not  of  a  frivolous  character.  Deeply  attached 
to  a  truly  religious  mother,  who  had  early  imbued 
him  with  a  love  for  everything  that  was  good  and 
pure,  he  set  himself  a  standard  at  the  very  outset 
of  his  career  from  which  he  never  deviated. 

His  filial  devotion  is  shown  by  numerous  entries 
in  his  diary,  and  it  was  evidently  a  heartfelt 
pleasure  for  him  to  accompany  his  mother  in  her 
walks  and  drives  or  in  visits  to  friends.  He  gives 
an  amusing  account,  under  date  of  June  25th,  1794, 
of  his  first  experience  of  the  new  delicacy,  ice-cream, 
which  is  said  to  have  been  made  for  the  first  time  in 
New  York  by  a  Frenchman  during  this  very  year. 
He  speaks  of  it  as  follows :  "  I  proposed  to  mamma  to 
walk  to  Corre's  (at  21  State  Street)  to  take  a  glass 


EARLY   MEDICAL   STUDIES.  25 

of  ice-cream  by  way  of  experiment.  She  assented, 
and  I  saw  the  pleasure  this  mark  of  attention  gave 
her.  We  each  took  a  glass  (la.  each),  and  found  it 
a  very  delicious  refreshment  for  warm  weather. 
While  we  were  there  some  French  officers  came 
capering  in  upon  the  same  errand.  Mamma  was 
much  diverted  at  hearing  one  of  them  exclaim  that 
it  was  'good  for  Hell.'  Corre's  place  was  called  the 
'  ice-house.' " 

In  1794,  when  he  was  nineteen,  he  designed  and 
engraved  a  commencement  ticket  for  Columbia 
College,  and  from  this  time  on  was  regularly  em- 
ployed both  with  his  pencil  and  graver.  That  he 
did  not  neglect  his  medical  studies,  however,  for  the 
more  fascinating  work  of  engraving,  is  sufficiently 
shown  by  the  fact  that  Dr.  Young  offered  to  make 
him  a  partner  immediately  after  he  obtained  his 
license,  in  1795,  although  he  had  only  just  passed 
his  twentieth  birthday. 

The  formalities  attending  the  granting  of  this 
license  are  described  by  Anderson  in  his  diary  for 
April,  1795  : 

"  April  8th.  I  called  upon  the  Mayor  and  ex- 
pressed my  wish  to  undergo  an  examination  for  the 
practice  of  Physic. — He  directed  me  to  apply  to 
Judge  Benson — I  found  him  out. 


26  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

"  9.  I  called  upon  Judge  Benson  who  referred  me 
to  Judge  Yates.  Saw  Judge  Yates,  who  promised 
to  appoint  an  Examination. 

"  18.  I  called  upon  Judge  Yates. — lie  appointed 
for  my  Examiners  Dr.  Bard,  Dr.  Rogers,  Dr.  Treat 
or  in  his  place  Dr.  Smith.  I  set  oft'  immediately  in 
the  rain  to  notify  them.  Dr.  Bard  dissuaded  me 
from  it,  and  objected  to  my  youth. — This  damped 
my  spirits — but  I  was  determined  to  go  through 
with  the  business.  Dr.  Rogers  ^ave  me  a  more 
favorable  reception. — Dr.  Smith  thought  it  would 
be  improper  for  him  to  attend. — I  therefore  call'd 
upon  Dr.  Treat  in  the  evening — he  excus'd  himself. 
I  bespoke  a  room  at  Simmons's  Tavern. 

"  14.  At  4,  went  with  a  palpitating  heart  to 
Simmons's. — The  Physicians  arrived,  but  as  the 
Court  was  sitting  no  magistrate  could  attend  except 
Judge  Yates. — Some  doubts  arose  respecting  the 
law. — The  Judge  went  to  the  Mayors  and  discover- 
ing that  the  presence  of  2  magistrates,  at  least,  was 
indispensable — postpouVl  the  Examination  'till 
to-morrow  afternoon.  The  agitation  of  my  mind 
brought  on  a  degree  of  fever  which  continued  the 
remainder  of  the  day. 

"  15.  Arrived  at  Simmons's  a  few  minutes  after 
4.     Underwent  an  Examination  of  an  hour's  length 


"Holy  Family,"  drawn  and  engraved  by  Dr.  Anderson. 


EARLY    MEDICAL   STUDIES.  29 

by  Drs.  Bard,  Rogers  &  Nicoll. — After  this  I  was 
desired  to  withdraw. 

"  16.  Called  at  Simmons's  &  paid  the  expenses  of 
yesterday  afternoon  20s. — From  that  I  went  to  the 
Judge's  lodging  but  he  was  out. — I  met  him  after- 
wards in  the  street  &  was  informed  that  the 
Physicians  had  given  a  favorable  report  &  the  only 
objection  to  giving  me  a  License  was  my  non-age ; 
the  matter  would  be  decided  next  week. 

"21.  This  day  completes  my  20th  year — I  have 
£20  laid  up — besides  debts  standing  out — 

"  28.  I  called  upon  Judge  Yates,  who  informed 
me  that  I  might  make  out  my  Patent. — I  went  to 
Mr.  Hertell's  &  got  the  form  of  it — from  that  to 
a  Parchment  maker  &  got  a  skin. — After  dinner 
I  finished  it  in  German  text. 

"29.  I  got  Judge  Yate's  hand  and  seal  to  my 
Certificate  &  afterwards  left  it  with  the  Attorney 
General. 

"  30.  Called  upon  Mr.  Lawrence,  who  promised  to 
leave  my  license  at  my  abode." 


CHAPTER  III. 

FIRST    ENGRAVINGS    ON    WOOD. 

Anderson  declined  the  friendly  proposition  of 
Dr.  Young,  being  unwilling  to  bind  himself  to  the 
profession.  He  continued  to  practise,  however,  and 
his  time  was  fully  occupied.  While  visiting  his 
patients  and  giving  them  the  best  of  care,  he  still 
found  leisure  to  engrave,  making  illustrations  both 
on  copper  and  type-metal  for  all  the  principal  pub- 
lishers in  New  York. 

In  1792  he  had  been  employed,  in  company  with 
C.  Tiebout,  Tisdale,  Rollinson,  J.  Allen,  A.  Doolittle 
of  New  Haven,  and  B.  Tanner,  to  engrave  on  copper 
the  illustrations  for  an  edition  of  Maynard's  Josephus, 
the  most  important  illustrated  work  that  had  yet 
been  published  in  New  York.  Anderson  was  the 
youngest  of  these  engravers,  being  at  that  time  only 
seventeen. 

He  appears  to  have  used  wood  for  the  first  time 
in  1793,  when  he  cut  a  tobacco  stamp  on  that  ma- 
terial.    Shortly  after  he  was  engaged  by  S.  Camp- 


FIRST   ENGRAVINGS   ON   WOOD.  31 

bell,  a  New  York  bookseller,  to  engrave  one  hun- 
dred geometrical  figures  on  wood,  for  each  of  which 
he  was  to  receive  fifty  cents.  Campbell  furnished 
the  wood,  which  was  obtained  from  a  maker  of  car- 
penters' tools,  at  the  cost  of  four  cents  a  block.  He 
found  that  box-wood  was  very  expensive,  and  at- 
tempted to  use  the  wood  of  the  pear-tree  in  its 
place  ;  but  soon  perceived  it  was  not  suited  for  fine 
work,  and  returned  to  the  better  if  more  expensive 
medium. 

More  than  a  year  elapsed  before  he  ventured  to 
use  the  new  material  for  his  more  important  engrav- 
ings. He  tells  us  in  his  diary  how  often  he  was 
discouraged  by  finding  cracks  in  the  box-wood,  but 
he  persevered,  seeing  how  much  better  adapted  it 
was  to  the  purpose  than  type-metal ;  and  finally,  in 
September,  1794,  he  decided  to  engrave  a  number 
of  cuts  on  wood  for  an  edition  of  "The  Looking 
Glass  for  the  Mind,"  which  was  being  published  by 
William  Durell.  He  had  commenced  the  series  on 
type-metal,  but  was  not  satisfied  with  the  results, 
and  it  was  not  long  after  his  successful  experiment 
with  wood  before  he  entirely  abandoned  the  use  of 
the  former  material. 

Such  was  the  beginning  of  wood-engraving  in 
this  country.     A    poor  medical   student,  with  rude 


32  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

tools,  manufactured  by  an  ordinary  blacksmith, 
sustained  only  by  his  native  genius,  and  but  scantily 
remunerated,  laid,  in  the  face  of  the  greatest  diffi- 
culties, the  foundations  of  the  art  that  now  occupies 
so  prominent  a  position  in  the  amusement  and  in- 
struction of  millions. 

In  February  of  1795,  Anderson  began  a  series  of 
illustrations  for  "  Webster's  Spelling  Book,"  which 
Bunce  &  Co.  were  on  the  point  of  issuing.  Of  this 
work,  it  is  said  by  Mr.  Lossing,  over  50,000,000 
copies  have  been  sold  containing  the  original  illus- 
trations. Later  in  this  same  year  Anderson  seems 
to  have  had  his  first  view  of  Bewick's  illustrations, 
and  he  speaks  of  buying,  on  August  21st,  "  a  History 
of  Quadrupeds,  with  elegant  wooden  cuts  for 
28s." 

He  was  fond  of  scribbling  poetry  as  a  relaxation, 
generally  putting  it  in  the  form  of  a  satirical  or 
gossipy  letter  to  some  friend.  An  example  of  his 
style  is  found  in  his  diary  for  1795,  and  is  descriptive 
of  a  journey  to  llockaway,  which  had  not  yet  ac- 
quired its  present  popularity,  and  was  consequently 
reasonable  in  its  charges,  his  expenses  for  two  days 
and  a  half  being  two  dollars  and  a  quarter.  The 
letter  was  addressed  to  his  mother,  and  ran  as  fol- 
lows: 


FIRST   ENGRAVINGS   ON   WOOD.  35 

"  Rockaway,  July  9th. 

My  dear  mamma,  and  so  forth,  you 
No  doubt  expect  as  others  do 
From  absent  folks,  a  line  or  two 
Of  their  affairs  and  circumstances, 
Health,  situation  and  Finances. 
Of  what  adventures  on  the  way, 
And  how  contrive  to  spend  the  day. 
Of  these  I'll  give  a  trite  detail 
If  Recollection  does  not  fail. — 
My  dinner  cook'd  and  eat  in  haste, 
By  one  o'clock  the  ferry  pass'd, 
Behold  me  at  Aunt  Carpender's — 
Must  eat  to  dissipate  her  fears. 
At  two  the  wagon  hastens  on. 
I  sit  as  grand  as  Gilpin  John, 
In  sole  possession  of  the  Vehicle 
Except  a  lad  the  steeds  to  tickle. 
At  fam'd  Jamaica  we  arrive 
Somewhat  about  the  hour  of  five. 
The  horses  and  myself  half  famished 
Were  now  at  Public  house  replenished. 
Our  course  resum'd,  the  carriage  roves 
O'er  smoother  roads,  thro'  shady  groves, 
And  e'er  the  Sun  had  dipp'd  his  head 
Quite  sciss-ing  hot  in  's  wat'ry  bed 
That  just  before  the  close  of  day 
We  find  ourselves  at  Rockaway. 
We  stop  at  Vanderbilt's,  and  there 
Methinks  I  snuff  a  purer  air. 
Enquiries  made  of  this  and  that, 
And  how  and  where,  and  who  and  what, 
The  time  declar'd  of  my  sojourning 
And  eke  the  day  of  my  returning. 
An  early  bed  I  sought,  and  there 


36  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

In  Lethe's  stream  forgot  all  care. 

And  now  another  morn  appears. 

I  rise  betimes  and  rub  my  ears — 

My  eyes  I  mean — and  straight  off-hand 

I  bend  my  course  toward  the  strand. 

With  vast  surprise  Old  Ocean  saw 

Obedient  to  his  Maker's  law  : 

(A  lesson  this  to  you  and  me, 

We've  Laws  to  'bey  as  well  as  he). 

But  Sea-ships  and  such  things  I  tell  ye 

Can  never  fill  a  hungry  belly. 

Well — hunger  does  my  steps  recall 

— But  why  do  I  Your  patience  maul — 

Now  mental  food  is  requisite 

As  well  as  corporal,  is  n't  it  ? 

To  overhaul  the  Library 

Permission  had,  I  there  espy 

'The  Heidelbergian  Catechism' 

'  A  Book  of  Hymns  t' excite  Devotion' — 

And  lastly  '  Scott  on  Elocution' — 

A  violin  procur'd,  I  play 

As  well  as  Orpheus,  any  day — 

For  proof — the  Negroes  near  me  lurk 

And  listen  when  they  ought  to  work. 

But  stop  !  my  muse,  and  quit  your  caper, 

I  fear  you  will  run  off  the  paper 

Your  Son  affectionate  ('till  Death 
Shall  knock  us  down  and  stop  our  breath) 
Has  scratch'd  these  lines,  and  when  he's  done 
Subscribes  himself 

A.  Anderson. 


CHAPTER   IV. 

THE    EPIDEMIC    OF    1795. 

In  1 795  the  yellow-fever  broke  out  in  New  York, 
and  the  young  doctor  performed  his  work  as  a  man 
and  a  physician  nobly.  He  gave  up  his  engraving, 
and  took  his  place  as  house  surgeon  at  Belle vue 
Hospital,  on  a  salary  of  four  dollars  a  day. 

He  thus  speaks  of  his  first  day  in  his  new  position : 
"  Aug.  24.  Behold  me  in  a  new  station  and  my 
mind  in  a  state  of  confusion  and  perplexity.  At 
10  O'clock  I  call'd  on  Dr.  Smith  and  after  sitting 
near  2  hours,  stepp'd  into  the  Chair  with  him 
and  away  we  posted  toBellevue. — After  instructing 
me  in  my  duty  and  introducing  me  to  the  family 
and  patients,  he  shook  me  affectionately  by  the 
hand  and  departed.  There  are  6  patients.  The 
Family  consists  of  Mr.  Fisher,  the  steward,  and  his 
wife,  Old  Daddy,  the  gardener — an  old  negro,  a 
black  nurse  and  two  white  ones.  I  spent  the  after- 
noon in  putting  up  medicines  and  arranging 
matters." 

At  one  time  there  were  as  many  as  forty  patients 


38  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

under  his  care,  and  his  diary  is  full  of  anxious 
thoughts  and  hopes  for  their  recovery.  Although 
less  than  twenty-one  years  old  at  that  time,  he 
shows  a  realizing  sense  of  the  gravity  of  his  position, 
and  seems  to  have  inspired  confidence  in  all  who 
came  in  contact  with  him.  In  the  midst  of  arduous 
labors  he  found  time  to  write  stray  articles  for  the 
magazines,  among  others  an  "  Essay  on  Walking," 
which  he  believed  would  cure  many  disorders.  In 
the  evenings  he  would  take  his  violin  and  play  old 
Scotch  tunes  by  the  hour. 

He  gave  so  much  satisfaction  at  Bellevue,  where 
he  remained  nearly  three  months,  that  on  retiring 
from  that  institution  in  the  autumn,  he  was  offered 
a  place  as  physician  to  the  New  York  Dispensary,  at 
a  salary  of  a  thousand  dollars.  He  declined  the 
proffered  honor,  and  returned  to  his  old  avocations. 

His  sensitive  spirit  shuddered  at  the  dreadful 
responsibility  resting  upon  the  physician,  and  he 
was  constantly  thinking  of  the  uncertainty  attend- 
ing every  case.  Urged  by  his  parents,  he  continued 
to  practise  for  some  years,  but  it  was  always  with 
reluctance,  and  he  gladly  seized  the  first  opportunity 
to  abandon  an  occupation  repugnant  to  his  feelings. 
He  speaks  of  this  feeling  in  his  diary  for  October 
1795: 


From  "  The  Life  of  Benjamin  Franklin,"  engraved  by  Dr.  Anderson  for 
Messrs.  Cooledge  &  Brother,  about  1848. 


THE   EPIDEMIC   OF   1795.  41 

"  Sunday  about  9  I  went  to  town,  found  our 
people  sitting  round  the  fire,  ready  for  church.  I 
received  a  sort  of  rebuke  for  refusing  to  offer  my- 
self as  candidate  for  the  office  of  physician  to  the 
Dispensary.  My  brother  was  not  behind  hand  in 
enforcing  arguments.  The  letter  I  received  from 
my  mother  was  in  the  same  style.  I  may  have 
acted  imprudently  in  refusing  it,  when  proposed  by 
Dr.  Smith,  but  my  feelings  are  entirely  discordant 
with  such  an  employment ;  besides,  the  engravings 
which  I  have  undertaken,  and  my  unwillingness  to 
disappoint  my  employers  had  great  weight  with  me. 
My  present  employment  is  much  against  the 
grain — a  sense  of  duty  and  acquiescence  in  the  will 
of  God  are  the  chief  motives  which  detain  me 
here." 

In  1 796  Anderson  took  the  degree  of  Medical 
Doctor  at  Columbia  College,  choosing  "Chronic 
Mania"  as  the  subject  of  his  graduating  thesis.  The 
doctrine  contained  in  that  essay,  and  then  first 
promulgated  in  due  form,  has  since  been  accepted  as 
substantially  correct.  He  gives  the  following  ac- 
count in  his  diary  of  the  examination  and  its  at- 
tendant ceremonies  : 

"March  14,  1796.  At  three  I  repair'd  to  the  Col- 
lege and  remained  in  Saltonstall's  room  'till  the  Pro- 


42  ALEXANDER    ANDERSON,  M.D. 

fessors  sent  word  that  they  were  ready  to  examine 
me.  They  were  Drs.  Mitchill,  Rogers,  Hamersley  <fe 
Hosack.  I  enter'd  the  room  with  rather  more 
courage  than  I  expected  I  should  be  able  to  muster, 
and  was  plied  with  questions  for  an  hour  and  a 
half — being  then  desir'd  to  withdraw  I  returned  to 
Saltonstall  who  was  quivering  for  his  fate  to-mor- 
row.— Dr.  Mitchill  afterwards  informed  me  that  I 
had  given  satisfaction,  but  desired  me  as  a  matter 
of  form  to  call  on  Dr,  Bard  tomorrow. — 

"  April  12.  1  called  at  Dr.  Hamersley 's  and  got 
one  of  the  Histories  of  Diseases  in  order  to  com- 
ment upon  it;  this  being  the  next  step  in  the  gradua- 
tion business. 

"  20.  According  to  custom  I  presented  the  fee,  ,£10, 
to  the  Dean. 

"  May  3.  I  dress'd  myself  in  black,  and  awaited 
with  some  dread  the  time  for  the  Examination.  .  .  . 
At  10  I  went  to  the  College  and  staid  with  my 
companion  in  affliction  'till  11.  The  Professors, 
Trustees  &c.  began  to  assemble  and  among  the 
rest,  the  Governor.  We  entered  the  hall  and  seated 
ourselves  at  a  table  opposite  the  Medical  Profes- 
sors. Dr.  Hosack  began  first  with  me,  and  after 
puzzling  me  a  little,  ended  with  an  encomium.  Dr. 
Rogers  next  asked  several  questions  for  which   1 


THE   EPIDEMIC   OF   1795.  43 

was  better  prepared. — After  Saltonstall  had  been 
examin'd  on  his  Thesis  by  Mitchill  and  Hamersley, 
we  were  desired  to  withdraw. — At  our  return  the 
oath  was  read  which  we  severally  repeated  and 
subscribed.  The  business  was  begun  and  concluded 
with  prayer.  The  Diplomas  were  handed  to  us  to 
procure  the  signatures  of  the  Professors. 

"  May  4.  I  went  to  the  College  this  morning 
where  the  students,  &c,  were  collecting.  About 
10  the  procession  was  formed.  Saltonstall  and  I 
joined  it,  and  marched  to  St.  Paul's  with  a  band  of 
music.  We  were  seated  near  the  stage  and  attended 
the  orations  of  the  students.  At  3  P.  M.,  the  church 
was  again  opened.  When  the  time  arriv'd  for 
conferring  the  degrees,  my  panic  increased,  but  I 
ascended  the  stage  and  went  through  with  the  cere- 
mony with  less  confusion  than  I  expected.  Here  I 
was  dubbed  M.  D. 

"  '  Hie  finis  laborum '  I  should  have  said,  had  I 
not  taken  a  peep  into  futurity. 

"  Saltonstall  called  upon  me  and  we  went  to  the 
Tontine  Coffee  house  at  eight  o'clock  in  the  evening 
to  partake  of  the  Commencement  Supper.  A  num- 
ber of  toasts  were  given,  and  I  was  at  my  wit's  end 
to  evade  drinking  to  them.     I  threw   the  greatest 


44 


ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 


part  of  my  wine  over  my  shoulder  or  under  the 
table,  and  by  that  means  contrived  to  drink  but  a 
small  quantity.  The  company  became  noisy  and 
merry." 


CHAPTER   V. 

HIS  MARRIAGE  AND  EARLY   SORROW. 

After  a  short  trip  to  Baltimore,  of  which  he 
gives  an  amusing  account  in  his  diary,*  he  hired  a 
room  at  31  Liberty  Street,  and  began  the  diligent 
practice  of  his  profession,  laying  aside  the  tools  of 
the  engraver  for  those  of  the  surgeon.  His  heart 
yearned  for  his  old  work,  and  we  find  him  frequent- 
ly engraving  an  ornament  for  a  friend  or  altering  a 
picture  for  the  publishers.  In  his  diary  for  July, 
1797,  we  read  the  following  entry  : 

"July  18th.  The  thoughts  of  Engraving  have  oc- 
cupied my  mind  to  day ;  I  could  not  help  looking 
back  to  the  pleasures  of  that  art,  like  the  Israelites 
to  the  flesh-pots  of  Egypt. — I  had  even  resolv'd  to 
indulge  myself  now  and  then  in  engraving  on  wood, 
and  cut  several  patterns  for  tools  which  I  propos'd 
to  have  made,  but  the  dread  of  being  ' unstable  as 
water'  deterred  me,  and  I  laid  by  the  patterns." 

He  was  very  domestic   in   his  character,  and  in 

*  See  Appendix  B,  under  date  of  May  13th,  1796. 


46  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

1797  determined  to  have  a  home  of  his  own.  Dur- 
ing the  course  of  his  professional  duties  he  had  be- 
come acquainted  with  a  most  charming  young  lady, 
Ann  Van  Vleck,  of  an  estimable  Moravian  family. 
For  a  long  time  bashfulness  kept  him  silent,  but 
fiually  he  mustered  courage  to  ask  the  momentous 
question.  The  answer  is  best  given  in  the  young 
lover's  own  words.  "  1  ventured  to  express  my 
sentiments  to  Miss  N.,  and  at  parting  presented  her 
with  a  ring,  and  had  the  felicity  to  perceive  that  it 
was  favorably  received.  The  conduct  of  this  amia- 
ble person  towards  me  with  '  all  my  imperfections 
upon  my  head'  deserves  my  gratitude  as  well  as 
Love  while  God  grants  me  life.  No  romantic  no- 
tions— the  result  of  mature  deliberation."  This 
eulogy  was  well  deserved,  for  the  "  amiable  per- 
son" made  an  excellent  wife. 

Shortly  after  his  marriage,  which  occurred  on 
April  16th,  1797,  Dr.  Anderson  removed  to  45  Beek- 
man  Street,  and  began  housekeeping  in  a  very  mod- 
est way.  Although  the  rent  of  his  new  home  was 
only  $650  a  year,  he  soon  found  that  his  income 
was  inadequate  to  meet  the  increased  demands.  He 
therefore  decided,  after  serious  consideration,  to 
undertake  the  business  of  a  publisher,  issuing  small 
illustrated   books.     He   hired  a   small  room  for  a 


MARRIAGE   AND   EARLY   SORROW.  49 

store  in  Fair  Street  (now  Fulton),  and  employed  a 
boy  as  a  clerk  at  a  salary  of  two  shillings  a  day. 
The  experiment  was  a  failure.  After  printing  sev- 
eral books,  which  remained  on  his  hands,  he  dismiss- 
ed his  youthful  assistant,  and  sold  at  auction  the 
stock  that  had  accumulated — some  seven  thousand 
volumes.  The  venture  had  cost  him  about  $150, 
and  he  realized  only  a  trifle  from  the  auction. 

The  young  doctor  now  found  himself  sorely 
pressed  for  money,  and  was  obliged  to  retrench  in 
every  possible  way.  The  approach  of  each  quarter 
day  caused  him  the  most  painful  anxiety,  and  he 
gives  explicit  details  in  his  diary  of  his  efforts  to 
obtain  the  needed  supplies.  He  even  sent  his  elec- 
trical machine,  on  which  he  had  been  laboring  many 
months,  to  his  father's  auction  rooms.  Feeling  the 
need  of  a  greater  reduction  in  their  expenditures, 
he  finally  decided  to  remove  to  a  cheaper  house,  in 
Liberty  Street,  effecting  by  this  means  a  saving  of 
$200  in  rent. 

About  this  time,  early  in  1798,  he  drew  and  en- 
graved on  wood  a  full-length  human  skeleton, 
which  he  enlarged  from  Albinus'  Anatomy.  It  was 
nearly  three  feet  in  length,  and  would  be  considered 
a  creditable  piece  of  work  even  in  the  present  ad- 
vanced state  of  the  art.     He  obtained  several  proofs 


50  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

on  a  rude  lever  press  of  his  own  manufacture,  but 
the  planks  soon  cracked  and  became  worthless. 

The  yellow-fever  broke  out  with  renewed  vio- 
lence in  1798,  and  during  the  summer  and  autumn 
destroyed  nearly  every  member  of  Anderson's 
family.  His  infant  son,  who  had  been  born  on  the 
5th  of  April,  died  on  July  3d.  This  was  a  terrible 
blow  to  his  sensitive  spirit ;  but  relentless  Fate  had 
still  worse  in  store  for  him. 

In  August  he  solicited  and  obtained  the  position 
of  resident  physician  at  Bellevue  Hospital.  He 
there  made  every  preparation  for  fighting  the  dread 
pestilence,  but  had  hardly  settled  to  his  duties 
when  he  was  summoned  to  attend  his  brother,  who 
had  been  suddenly  stricken.  In  three  days  this  be- 
loved relative  had  passed  away,  and  Anderson, 
having  placed  the  remains  in  the  coffin  with  his  own 
hands,  returned  to  the  hospital.  Two  days  later 
his  father  was  taken  violently  ill,  and  he  resolved 
to  give  up  his  position,  so  as  to  devote  his  entire 
time  to  the  care  of  one  to  whom  he  was  so  deeply 
attached.  The  disease  made  rapid  progress,  and  in 
two  days,  on  September  12th,  his  father  had  breath- 
ed his  last. 

When  the  grief-stricken  son  had  performed 
the    last  offices,    he    hastened  to    visit  his   young 


MARRIAGE   AND   EARLY    SORROW.  53 

wife,  whose  health  had  been  in  a  precarious  state 
since  the  death  of  their  infant  child.  She  had 
removed  to  Bushwick,  Long  Island,  in  hopes  that 
the  purer  air  would  revive  her  failing  strength. 
This  hope  was  illusory  ;  the  pestilence  found  an 
easy  victim  in  her  enfeebled  frame.  The  agonized 
husband  records  in  his  diary  on  September  12th, 
that  he  experienced  a  terrible  shock — "  The  sight  of 
my  wife  ghastly  and  emaciated,  constantly  coughing 
and  spitting  struck  me  with  horror."  The  next  day 
he  was  informed  of  her  death.  That  very  evening 
her  remains  were  consigned  to  the  earth,  her  father, 
mother,  younger  sister,  and  himself  being  the  only 
mourners.  He  writes  in  his  diary  of  his  surprise  at 
his  own  composure  under  such  afflictions,  and  says, 
"  I  am  rather  disposed  to  impute  it  to  despair  than 
resignation." 

He  now  persuaded  his  mother  to  leave  her  deso- 
late home  and  reside  with  him.  In  the  intervals  of 
his  many  cares  (he  had  been  appointed  one  of  the 
physicians  to  the  poor)  he  strove  in  every  way  to 
relieve  the  anguish  of  her  spirit,  even  while  he  was 
suffering  so  intensely  himself.  His  care  was  of 
short  duration,  however.  On  September  21st,  only 
nine  days  after  the  death  of  his  wife,  his  affection- 
ate mother,  the  friend  and  counsellor  of  his  youth 


54  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,   M.D. 

and  manhood,  was  also  taken  from  him.  When  the 
day  was  over  he  made  the  following  simple  and 
pathetic  entry  in  his  diary:  "September  21st.  My 
Mother  died  at  10  this  morning.  'I  never  shall 
look  upon  her  like  again.'" 

After  this  last  blow  he  resigned  his  place  as  phy- 
sician to  the  poor,  saying  that  the  hurry  and  anxie- 
ty at  such  a  time  were  more  than  he  could  bear. 

Three  days  later,  en  September  24th,  his  mother- 
in-law,  Mrs.  Van  Vleck,  who  seems  to  have  been  a 
very  amiable  and  estimable  person,  was  seized  by 
the  common  enemy,  and  died  in  a  few  hours. 

In  less  than  three  weeks  his  sister-in-law,  Polly,  a 
cheerful  and  interesting  companion,  who  had  ear- 
nestly striven  to  lighten  his  burden  of  sorrow,  began 
to  show  the  first  symptoms  of  the  disease.  With  a 
naturally  strong  constitution,  she  struggled  bravely 
against  it,  but  finally  succumbed,  and  expired  on 
October  12th. 

The  young  doctor,  ever  kind  and  considerate  of 
the  feelings  of  others,  now  passed  much  of  his  time 
in  his  father-in-law's  family,  seeking  to  relieve  the 
pain  so  akin  to  his  own. 

Toward  the  end  of  the  month  he  made  a  brief 
visit  in  Stamford  to  see  his  aunt  and  grandmother, 
and  on  his  return  announced   his  intention  of  aban- 


MARRIAGE   AND    EARLY    SORROW. 


55 


doning  the  practice  of  medicine,  which  had  become 
highly  distasteful  to  him.  In  this  resolution  he  was 
sustained  by  several  of  his  friends,  who  approved 
his  plan  of  devoting  himself  exclusively  to  engrav- 
ing. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

ESTABLISHED    AS    AN    ENGRAVER. 

Deprived  of  the  agreeable  companionship  to 
which  lie  had  been  accustomed,  he  was  restless  and 
unhappy ;  and  after  a  slight  attack  of  the  epidemic, 
from  which  he  quickly  recovered,  he  resolved  to 
pay  a  visit  to  the  West  Indies.  lie  accordingly  set 
sail  in  the  following  March,  and  spent  several 
months  with  his  uncle,  Dr.  Alexander  Anderson, 
who  was  king's  botanist  in  the  island  of  St.  Vincent. 

The  peaceful  beauty  of  nature  was  as  balm  to  his 
troubled  feelings,  and  during  his  long  rambles  he 
acquired  a  great  fondness  for  plants  and  flowers,  of 
which  the  tropics  are  so  prodigal.  This  taste  re- 
mained with  him  through  life,  and  on  his  return  to 
New  York  he  was  a  frequent  visitor  at  the  Elgin 
Botanical  Garden,  established  in  the  early  part  of 
this  century  by  Dr.  David  Hosack.  The  garden 
covered  twenty  acres,  extending  westward  from  the 
present  line  of  Fifth  Avenue,  and  along  that  avenue 


ESTABLISHED    AS   AN   ENGRAVER.  57 

from  Forty-seventh  to  Fifty-first  Street.  This  tract 
was  afterward  given  by  the  legislature,  which  had 
purchased  it  from  Dr.  Hosack,  to  Columbia  College, 
in  whose  possession  it  still  remains. 

Anderson's  uncle  offered  him  a  lucrative  position, 
but  he  declined  it,  having  resolved  to  devote  himself 
entirely  to  engraving.  He  was  in  poor  health  and 
extremely  melancholy — so  much  so,  that  for  weeks 
together  he  would  shun  all  society ;  then,  rushing 
to  the  opposite  extreme,  would  enter  into  all  kinds 
of  dissipation.  The  balance  wheel  of  his  life  was 
broken.  He  found  a  new  one  in  his  second  wife, 
a  sister  of  her  whom  he  had  lost.  She  gave  him 
what  he  so  much  needed — a  settled  home  and  a  fixed 
purpose.  His  was  one  of  those  natures  that  must 
have  congenial  companionship  to  appear  at  its  best. 
This  he  now  had,  and  he  entered  with  spirit  into 
his  work.  The  only  break  in  the  daily  routine  was 
an  occasional  stroll  in  the  country,  in  search  of 
plants  and  flowers,  or  some  subject  for  his  pen- 
cil. 

It  was  during  this  period  of  elation,  following 
the  previous  depression,  that  he  poured  out  his  feel- 
ings in  the  quaint  verses  given  on  the  next  page, 
arranging  them  for  his  favorite  tune,  "  Whistle  o'er 
the  lave  o't "  : 


58  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

"  A  New  '  Whistle  o'er  the  Lave  o't. 

"  We  should  na  fret  oursel's  to  stane, 
Like  Niobe,  wha's  dead  an'  gane, 
Nor  blear  our  een  out  a'  our  lane, 
But  whistle  o'er  the  lave  o't. 

"  Gie  me  a  man  wha's  een  can  blink, 

Wha's  heart  is  free,  wha's  soul  can  think  ; 
Wha's  Clishma-Clarer  care  can  sink, 
And  whistle  o'er  the  lave  o't. 

"  Let  Beauty's  smiles  illume  the  way, 
The  murky  glen  through  which  we  stray  ; 
Thus  may  we  live  our  little  day, 
And  whistle  o'er  the  lave  o't. 

"  When  fortune  shows  a  scowlin'  brow, 
And  lays  our  fairest  prospects  low  ; 
As  pleasures  fade,  let  reason  grow, 
Then  whistle  o'er  the  lave  o't. 

"  But  when  she  glints  with  face  serene 
And  decks  the  warP  in  gayest  sheen, 
We'll  aye  distrust  the  fickle  quean, 
And  whistle  o'er  the  lave  o't. 

"  And  when  auld  Death  wi'  ruthless  paw 
Shall  clapper  claw  us,  ane  and  a', 
We  maun  submit  to  Nature's  law, 
And  whistle  o'er  the  lave  o't." 


Attention !  youth  and'  children  all, 
The  author  takes  his  chair, 

Resolved,  for  scholars  great  and  small 
A  Primer  to  prepare. 

He  surely  is  a  learned  chap, 

He  shows  it  in  his  looks, 
His  slippers,  study-gown,  and  cap, 

His  table,  and  his  books. 

Our  New  Pictorial  must  claim, 

A  first-rate  book  to  be ; 
And  surely  none  will  doubt  the  same, 

When  they  the  author  see. 


Engraved  by  Dr.  Anderson  for  the  "  Illustrated  Primer,"  published  by 
Messrs.  Cooledge  &  Brother. 


«  '  i  «  •      I    '       •    •  •        . 


>(   •        • 


ESTABLISHED    AS   AN   ENGRAVER.  61 

About  this  time  Anderson  became  intimate  with 
John  Roberts,  whose  acquaintance  he  had  first 
made  in  October,  1796.  He  had  come  from  Scot- 
land in  1793,  and  soon  attracted  attention  by  his 
genius  and  eccentric  habits.  Skilled  in  many 
branches  of  knowledge — in  painting,  engraving, 
mechanics,  music,  and  mathematics — he  lacked 
stability  of  character,  and  his  irregular  habits  were 
very  unpleasing  to  a  serious  mind.  Anderson,  who 
had  sought  employment  with  him  for  the  sake  of 
studying  the  most  improved  methods  of  engraving, 
soon  dropped  his  acquaintance,  having  in  the  mean 
time,  however,  learned  much  that  was  new  and 
important. 

Orders  for  engraving  thronged  upon  him,  and  in 
1800  he  prepared  the  wood-cuts  for  an  edition  of 
"  The  Looking  Glass  for  the  Mind,"  published  by 
David  Long  worth,  who  refers  to  the  illustrations  in 
the  following  words :  "  Our  native  American  genius 
and  artist,  Dr.  Alexander  Anderson,  executed  the 
cuts  for  this  edition  all  on  wood  ;"  and  "  if  they  do 
not  equal  Mr.  Bewick's,  whose  productions  in  that 
line  have  justly  gained  him  so  great  a  reputation, 
and  are  mentioned  by  the  reviewers  in  England 
with  an  applause  so  highly  merited,  yet,  when  the 
numerous  opportunities  there  afforded  to  the  man 


62  ALEXANDER    ANDERSON,  M.D. 

of  genius  for  improvement,  and  for  the  want  of 
which  he  languishes  here,  are  considered,  it  must  be 
admitted  that  Dr.  Anderson's  merit  falls  little  short 
of  Mr.  Bewick's  excellence."  The  same  publisher 
employed  him  in  1802  to  redraw  and  engrave  three 
hundred  of  Bewick's  illustrations  in  the  u  Quadru- 
peds," which  Anderson  said  was  "  a  laborious  un- 
dertaking and  poorly  paid."  He  also  executed  for 
Long  worth,  both  on  wood  and  copper,  the  engrav- 
ings for  the  early  editions  of  Irving  and  Paulding's 
"Salmagundi." 

The  doctor  was  an  intimate  friend  of  "Washington 
Irving,  whom  he  often  met  in  the  various  publish- 
ing houses,  and  whose  instructor  he  was  in  the  art 
of  playing  the  clarionet.  Mr.  Irving  always  spoke 
of  him  in  the  pleasantest  manner,  and  described  him 
as  being  "  handsome,  artless,  and  full  of  good 
humor,  and  as  gentle  as  a  woman." 

Anderson  engraved  a  number  of  pictures  for  the 
excellent  set  of  small  books  issued  by  the  Quaker 
publisher,  Samuel  WVjod,  and  for  many  years  the 
publications  of  the  American  Tract  Society  were 
illustrated  with  wood-cuts  designed  and  engraved 
by  him.  His  last  important  engraving  on  copper 
was  made  about  the  year  1812,  and  represented  the 
Last  Supper,  after  the  original  by  Holbein.     It  was 


ESTABLISHED   AS   AN   ENGRAVER.  63 

six  inches  by  eight,  and  was  considered  a  magnifi- 
cent specimen  of  the  graphic  art.  Although  an  ex- 
cellent engraver  on  copper,  he  much  preferred  wood, 
and  from  this  time  on  confined  himself  almost  ex- 
clusively to  that  material.  Some  of  his  wood-en- 
gravings were  of  considerable  size,  a  series  engraved 
in  1818  to  illustrate  the  four  seasons  being  nine  and 
a  half  inches  wide  by  twelve  and  a  half  long. 

"  The  fleshless  monarch  of  the  hour-glass  and 
scythe"  had  a  great  fascination  for  him,  and  he 
would  often  recur  to  subjects  of  that  character.  In 
1800  he  made  fifty-two  cuts  for  "Emblems  of 
Mortality,"  issued  by  John  Babcock,  a  publisher  in 
Hartford.  They  were  reproduced  from  the  English 
edition  illustrated  by  Thomas  and  John  Bewick, 
which  appeared  in  1789,  and  were  in  the  style  of 
Holbein's  famous  "Dance  of  Death."  A  copy  of 
this  rare  book  is  in  the  possession  of  Charles  C. 
Moreau,  Esq.,  who  has  a  large  collection  of  Ander- 
son's works,  and  has  kindly  given  the  author  of  this 
volume  an  opportunity  of  examining  them. 


CHAPTER   VII. 

CLOSING    YEARS    OF    HIS    LIFE. 

All  Dr.  Anderson's  pictures  exhibit  the  same 
careful  execution,  and  show  plainly  that  he  was  an 
artist  as  well  as  an  engraver.  Nothing  is  over- 
looked or  slighted,  even  the  smallest  detail  being 
worked  up  conscientiously.  He  was  a  close  student 
of  Bewick,  and  engraved  in  his  style  ;  for  with  the 
eye  of  genius  he  saw  that  it  was  the  true  method. 
Like  his  English  prototype,  he  was  a  lover  of  nature, 
and  would  spend  his  rare  holidays  in  wandering 
through  the  fields ;  stopping  here  to  gather  some  shy 
wild  flower  coyly  hidden  in  the  grass  ;  now  gazing 
with  wrapt  and  loving  attention  upon  a  sweet- 
voiced  songster,  from  whose  feathered  throat  welled 
a  stream  of  liquid  melody;  and  anon  pausing  to 
rest  under  a  wide-branching  tree,  where,  free  from 
all  interruption,  he  could  sketch  the  beauties 
around. 

He  also  made  a  close  study  of  New  York  archi- 
tecture, and  engraved  for  the  "Mirror"  (now  the 
"  Home  Journal"),  published  by  George  P.  Morris,  a 


CLOSING   YEARS   OF  HIS   LIFE.  67 

series  of  carefully  executed  wood-cuts  of  the  old 
Dutch  buildings  that  were  still  standing  in  the 
early  part  of  the  century.  His  work  was  in  demand 
not  only  at  home  but  abroad,  and  for  many  years 
he  furnished  religious  pictures  to  Spanish  printers 
in  Mexico,  South  America,  and  the  West  Indies. 
When  the  party  strife  engendered  by  the  War  of 
1812  was  at  its  height,  he  cut  a  number  of  cari- 
catures, those  dealing  with  the  subject  of  the  em- 
bargo being  especially  good.  They  were  designed 
by  John  Wesley  Jarvis,  and  were  suggested  by 
a  satirical  poem  written  by  William  Cullen  Bryant, 
then  only  thirteen  years  old. 

Dr.  Anderson  was  taken  by  the  military  draft, 
notwithstanding  his  professional  title,  and  was  com- 
pelled to  bear  arms  as  a  soldier;  but  for  a  short 
time  only,  as  he  was  fortunate  enough  to  secure 
a  substitute.  On  his  return  to  the  city  he  was  em- 
ployed by  the  authorities  to  engrave  the  plates  for 
the  small  paper  money  issued  during  the  winter  of 
1814-15.  At  this  time  and,  in  fact,  until  eleven 
years  later,  he  had  only  two  or  three  competitors  in 
wood-engraving  in  this  country,  and,  as  a  conse- 
quence, made  a  comfortable  living  for  himself  and 
family. 

Mr.  Lossing,  the  historian  and  engraver,  says  that 


68  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

when  he  began  his  work  in  New  York  there  were 
not  more  than  twenty  professional  wood-engravers 
in  the  United  States,  and  that  when  the  father  of 
American  engraving  died  there  were  over  four 
hundred. 

Dr.  Anderson  was  excessively  modest,  and  always 
deprecated  any  direct  mention  or  praise  of  himself. 
The  following  incident  well  illustrates  this  character- 
istic :  His  portrait  was  needed  for  a  projected  his- 
tory of  wood-engraving  that  was  to  be  published  in 
the  "  Art  Union  Bulletin,"  a  publication  similar  to 
the  "  London  Art  Journal."  When  approached  on 
the  subject  by  an  intimate  friend,  he  returned  the 
answer  that  he  had  always  given  to  his  family  : 
"What  do  others  care  for  a  picture  of  my  old 
face  ?  "  He  finally  consented,  however,  after  much 
urging,  to  sit  for  his  likeness  to  Plumbe  (on  the 
corner  of  Broadway  and  Murray  Street),  who  had 
met  with  considerable  success  in  the  new  art  of 
daguerreotyping.  The  portrait  was  taken  in  dupli- 
cate, as  the  modern  system  by  which  photographs 
can  be  produced  in  unlimited  quantities  was  then 
unknown.  The  history  was  never  published ;  but 
a  year  or  so  afterward  the  daguerreotype  was  care- 
fully copied  on  wood,  and  the  doctor  was  requested 
to  engrave  it  for  publication  in  the  "London  Art 


CLOSING   YEARS   OF   HIS   LIFE.  69 

Journal."  He  was  horrified,  and  at  first  positively 
refused  to  do  anything  that  would  be  so  grossly 
egotistical.  His  objections  were  overcome,  and  the 
picture,  which  is  cut  in  his  best  style,  appeared  in 
the  "Journal"  for  September,  1858.  He  was  then 
in  his  eighty-fourth  year,  and  those  who  knew  him 
say  that  he  had  retained  extraordinary  vigor  both 
of  body  and  mind. 

For  nearly  ten  years  longer  he  was  regularly  em- 
ployed in  engraving,  and  at  the  age  of  ninety -three 
cut  a  series  of  pictures  for  Barber's  "  Historical 
Collections  of  New  Jersey."  This  was  the  last 
work  he  did  for  a  publisher. 

In  1868  he  moved  to  Jersey  City,  and  took  up 
his  residence  with  his  son-in-law,  Dr.  Edwin  Lewis, 
at  135  Wayne  Street,  where  he  died  January  17th, 
1870,  a  short  time  before  his  ninety-fifth  birthday. 
The  service  was  held  in  Trinity  Church,  New  York, 
and  the  remains  were  interred  in  Greenwood  Ceme- 
tery. 

Six  months  before  his  death  he  drew  a  picture 
upon  a  block,  and  had  partly  engraved  it,  doing  a 
little  from  time  to  time  as  his  strength  allowed,  when 
the  dread  call  came.  During  his  latter  years  he  en- 
graved many  pictures  for  his  own  amusement,  taking 
that  method  of  preserving  any  design  that  happened 


70  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

to  strike  his  fancy.  He  had  a  little  workshop  built 
in  the  yard,  and  there  he  would  keep  himself  busily 
employed.  He  never  considered  his  old  blocks  worth 
preserving,  and  frequently  cut  up  the  larger  ones  to 
kindle  the  fire. 

He  was  remarkably  conscientious,  and  would  never 
consent  to  receive  more  than  what  he  considered  a 
fair  price  for  his  work.  The  late  Evert  A.  Duyc- 
kinck,  in  a  letter  to  a  friend,  tells  of  a  contract  the 
doctor  had  made  to  do  a  certain  amount  of  map 
work  for  a  stipulated  price.  When  the  work  was 
finished  he  refused  to  accept  the  sum  agreed  upon, 
as  the  engraving  had  not  taken  as  much  time  as  he 
expected. 

Dr.  Anderson  was  also  a  good  miniature  painter, 
and  in  his  early  life  was  frequently  employed  in  that 
capacity.  He  painted  daintily  on  ivory  the  portraits 
of  all  his  daughters  when  they  were  young  women, 
that  of  Mrs.  Lewis,  the  youngest,  being  particularly 
fine. 

His  retiring  and  bashful  disposition  caused  him 
to  shrink  as  much  as  possible  from  the  companion- 
ship of  the  prominent  men  with  whom  he  was 
brought  in  contact ;  but  professional  duties  com- 
pelled him  to  see  them  more  or  less,  and  he  made, 
almost  without  his  own  volition,  many  warm  friends, 


CLOSING   YEARS   OF   HIS   LIFE.  73 

who  entertained  for  him  the  most  sincere  regard. 
He  was  a  member  of  the  old  Academy  of  Fine  Arts, 
of  which  Colonel  Trumbull  was  President,  and  his 
position  as  an  artist  was  so  high,  that  when  the 
Academy  of  Design  was  founded  in  1827,  he  was 
immediately  elected  a  member. 

He  had  only  four  pupils  during  the  course  of  his 
long  and  honored  life  :  his  daughter  Ann,  who  mar- 
ried Andrew  Maverick,  a  copper-plate  printer ; 
Garret  Lansing,  who  placed  himself  under  his 
instruction  in  1804,  and  became  the  second  wood- 
engraver  in  America;  William  Morgan,  who  after- 
ward became  noted  as  a  draughtsman,  and  John  H. 
Hall,  who  took  a  high  rank  among  engravers,  but 
being  seized  by  the  gold  fever  in  1849,  went  to 
California,  where  he  died. 

By  his  second  wife  Dr.  Anderson  had  one  son  and 
five  daughters.  His  son,  who  was  a  physician,  and 
was  named  John,  after  the  beloved  brother  who  had 
perished  in  the  yellow-fever  epidemic,  died  in  1836. 
Two  of  his  daughters,  Kmmeline  (Mrs.  Maybe)  and 
Ann  (Mrs.  Maverick),  inherited  their  father's  taste 
for  art,  and  gained  distinction,  the  one  with  the 
pencil,  the  other  with  the  graver.  Three  of  his 
daughters  survived  him — Mrs.  Halsey,  Mrs.  Skill- 
man,  and  Mrs.  Lewis. 


74  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

Mr.  Lossing,  speaking  of  his  friend  and  fellow- 
engraver,  says :  "  Dr.  Anderson  worked  industriously 
with  an  ever-cheerful  spirit;  was  kind  and  loving, 
and  generous  to  all  around — in  a  word,  he  lived  a 
pure,  simple,  blameless,  and  useful  life.  He  was 
of  less  than  medium  height,  compactly  built,  with 
mild  and  beautiful  dark  gray  eyes  and  a  face  ever 
beaming  with  indices  of  kindly  feelings  and  serenity 
of  spirit ;  and  for  many  years  that  venerable  head 
was  surrounded,  as  by  a  halo,  with  white  locks  and 
beard.  His  voice  was  soft  and  low.  He  was  genial 
in  thought  and  conversation,  and  had  a  quick  per- 
ception of  genuine  humor.  To  him  the  world  was 
a  delightful  place  to  live  in,  because  it  was  a  reflex 
of  liis  own  sweet  spirit.  He  was  extremely  regular 
in  all  his  habits.  He  once  said  to  a  friend  :  '  I  would 
not  sit  up  after  ten  o'clock  at  night  to  see  an  angel.'  " 


APPENDIX  A. 


A   BRIEF   SKETCH 


OF 


DR.  ANDERSON'S   LIFE. 

( Written  by  himself  in  1848.) 


A  BRIEF  SKETCH 

OF 

DR.    ANDERSON'S    LIFE 

(Written  by  himself  in  1848.) 


Lsr  order  to  account  for  ray  neglect  of  the  ordi- 
nary means  of  advancement  in  life,  it  may  be  neces- 
sary to  say  something  of  my  parentage  and  incidents 
of  my  early  days. 

I  was  born  in  the  city  of  New  York  in  the  year 
1775.  My  father,  although  a  native  of  Scotland, 
had  become  a  thorough  republican  ;  and  entering 
into  the  printing  business  published  a  paper,  "  The 
Constitutional  Gazette,"  in  opposition  to  Rivington's 
"  Royal  Gazette,"  and  soon  became  conspicuous  as 
John  Anderson,  the  rebel  printer.  His  business 
was  prosperous  till  the  British  army  approached  the 
city  which  obliged  him  to  pack  up  and  fly.  On  his 
way  to  Connecticut  by  the  Kingsbridge  road,  his 
wagons  were  seized  for  the  use  of  the  American 
garrison  at  Fort   Washington,  and  his  books  and 


80  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

papers  converted  into  cartridges.  His  paper  money 
depreciated  and  soon  became  worthless  and  the 
consequences  may  be  imagined.  He,  however,  found 
a  refuge  for  his  family  among  some  friends  of  my 
mother  (who  was  of  the  New  England  stock)  at 
Greenwich,  Conn.,  while  he  made  himself  useful  as 
captain  of  the  alarm  list  on  the  debatable 
ground.  My  first  recollections  are  those  of  playing 
on  the  shores  of  the  Sound,  building  little  huts 
among  the  rocks  and  roofing  them  with  sea  weed, 
delighted  with  everything  around  me.  My  brother 
and  myself,  however,  were  under  the  rigid 
government  of  my  mother,  whose  talents  enabled 
her  to  give  us  some  instructions.  For  want  of  ink 
she  would  dissolve  indigo  in  water  and  the  draw- 
ings of  faces  and  flowers  made  their  appearance  and 
amused  us  during  the  evenings.  Some  pieces  of 
type-metal  ornaments  which  had  escaped  the  wreck 
of  the  printing  office  became  interesting  objects  to 
me.  The  grotesque  vignettes  in  old  editions  of 
books  done  when  the  artist  had  not  the  fear  of 
criticism  before  his  eyes  had  charms  for  me,  and  I 
am  not  ashamed  to  say  something  of  that  taste  still 
remains  with  me.  The  old  Dutch  tiles  around  the 
fire  place  were  so  execrable  that  I  remember  look- 
ins:  at  them  with  a  mixture  of  curiosity  and  disgust. 


jww**""'* 


Dr.  Anderson  at  the  age  of  forty-four. 


APPENDIX   A.  83 

At  times  we  were  indulged  with  the  sight  of  a 
large  pile  of  pictures  such  as  issued  from  the 
London  print  shops  of  that  day.  Among  the  rest 
Hogarth's  Industrious  and  Idle  Apprentice  made  a 
strong  impression  on  my  mind. 

As  soon  as  peace  was  declared,  the  scene  was 
changed  to  New  York.  I  was  put  to  school  and 
drilled  into  the  study  of  Latin  and  a  little  Greek.  I 
became  a  great  reader.  After  devouring  all  the  toy 
books  of  Newbury,  the  first  book  of  any  conse- 
quence was  JEsop's  Fables  and  the  next  Dryden's 
Virgil,  the  engravings  in  which  formed  no  small 
share  of  the  entertainment.  I  was  full  of  business, 
carving  little  figures,  making  boats  and  fitting  up  a 
little  cellar  as  a  theatre ;  for  I  had  been  favored 
with  the  sight  of  one  play  and  it  was  an  event  not 
to  be  forgotten.  I  had  my  drawing  books  and  my 
drawings  were  made  by  wetting  a  hair  pencil  in  my 
mouth,  rubbing  it  on  a  bit  of  Indian  ink  and  then 
imitating  prints  in  line  work.  One  of  my  school- 
fellows had  access  to  an  Encyclopedia  and  there  we 
found  some  instructions  for  engraving.  Small  pieces 
of  copper  were  procured  and  pennies  rolled  out  in 
the  mill  of  a  friendly  silversmith,  and  when  copper 
was  scarce  pewter  was  used.  I  did  a  head  of  Paul 
Jones  and  pleased  was  I  when  1  got  an  impression 


84  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

with  red  oil  paint  in  a  rude  rolling  press  which  I 
had  constructed.  The  first  graver  I  used  was  the 
back  spring  of  a  pocket  knife  ground  to  a  point.  An 
obliging  blacksmith  afterwards  made  some  tools  for 
me  and  I  began  to  work  in  type  metal. 

I  engraved  some  small  ships  and  sold  them  at  the 
newspaper  offices.  Other  little  jobs  followed  and  I 
produced  some  spare  cash.  As  there  was  but  one 
other  person  working  in  the  same  line  I  began  to 
feel  of  some  consequence. 

At  length  it  was  determined  that  I  should  become 
a  physician,  and  at  fourteen  years  of  age,  I  left  my 
workshop  in  the  garret  and  entered  with  Dr.  Joseph 
Young,  a  man  whose  goodness  of  heart  and  amiable 
manners  I  shall  never  forget.  He  had  been  a  sur- 
geon in  the  Revolutionary  army  and  had  that  talent 
of  observation  which  is  sometimes  deficient  in  men 
of  greater  celebrity,  and  was  very  successful  in  his 
practice.  The  study  of  physic  in  those  days  was 
different  from  what  it  is  at  present.  The  students 
compounded  all  the  medicines  ;  delivered  them  to 
the  patients  and  sometimes  administered  them. 

No  small  share  of  fatigue  attended  this  as  our 
business  was  extensive. 

I  continued  this  mode  of  life  for  five  years,  read- 
ing  all   the    medical   books  within  reach,  and  yet 


APPENDIX   A.  85 

found  time  for  engraving  for  letter  press  and  some 
on  copper,  the  products  of  which  partly  clothed  me 
and  paid  for  four  courses  of  all  the  medical  lectures, 
besides  Natural  Philosophy  and  a  smattering  of 
French  at  evening  school.  One  of  my  earliest 
employers  was  William  Durell  who  began  with  toy 
books  and  proceeded  to  larger  works  such  as  a  folio 
edition  of  Josephus  and  above  a  hundred  volumes 
of  British  Classics.  It  was  while  engraving  for  him 
that  I  met  with  Bewick's  works,  and  having  with 
difficulty  procured  some  box  wood,  found  the 
advantage  of  that  material  over  type  metal. 

Before  I  was  of  age  I  underwent  an  examination 
according  to  law  and  received  a  license  to  practice 
physic.  My  wayward  fate  induced  me  to  refuse  the 
offer  of  a  partnership  with  my  old  teacher  Dr. 
Young.  In  1795,  I  was  employed  by  the  Health 
Committee  as  Resident  Physician  atBellevue  Hospi- 
tal where  I  passed  three  months  among  yellow  fever 
patients  (most  of  them  sent  up  in  the  last  stage  of 
disease)  and  witnessed  above  a  hundred  deaths. 
Although  I  was  employed  day  and  night  and  even 
assisted  in  opening  four  dead  bodies,  I  escaped  the 
infection,  but  suffered  from  depression  of  spirits. 

In    1796,  I   graduated   in    Columbia    College  as 
M.D.,  became   a  married    man,  hired  a  house  and 


86  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

commenced  practice,  occasionally  engraving  a  little, 
among  the  rest  a  skeleton  from  Albinus  enlarged  to 
near  three  feet.  I  contrived  to  get  two  or  three 
impressions  by  means  of  a  long  lever,  but  my  work 
became  disjointed  and  went  to  pieces. 

I  soon  discovered  that  the  practice  was  a  different 
thing  from  the  study  of  physic.  The  responsibility 
appeared  too  great  for  the  state  of  my  mind.  How- 
ever, I  labored  on  till  the  fatal  yellow  fever  of  1798, 
when  I  was  again  employed  in  the  Hospital ;  but 
after  a  few  days  bade  adieu  to  it  as  I  had  lost  my 
wife  and  child.  In  a  short  time  followed  the  loss 
of.  my  brother,  father,  mother  and  almost  all  my 
friends  whom  I  visited  in  their  illness — all  within 
three  months.  This  succession  of  calamities  seemed 
rather  too  severe ;  I  sought  consolation  in  change 
of  scene  and  made  a  voyage  to  the  West  Indies  to 
visit  an  uncle,  Dr.  Alexander  Anderson,  King's 
Botanist  in  the  island  of  St.  Vincent.  I  remained 
at  the  Botanic  Garden  (a  perfect  paradise  at  that 
time)  about  three  months  ;  and,  after  rejecting  an 
offer  that  would  have  made  me  independent  returned 
to  my  native  place. 

I  had  a  craving  for  quiet  and  retirement,  with  the 
hopes  of  supporting  myself  by  my  favorite  employ- 
ment.     But   my    solitary   life    led    me    to   indulge 


APPENDIX    A.  89 

strange  whims,  such  as  living  on  vegetable  food, 
mostly  bread  and  water,  for  eight  months,  and  then 
launching  out  into  opposite  extremes  till  a  second 
marriage  produced  new  scenes  and  new  cares.  I 
applied  myself  closely,  rather  too  closely  to  the  arts 
and  lost  no  time  in  amusements  except  some  rambles 
out  of  town  and  even  then  I  was  attempting 
sketches. 

In  1802,  I  undertook  the  engraving  of  three  hun- 
dred cuts  for  Bewick's  Quadrupeds,  a  laborious 
undertaking  and  poorly  paid. 

I  did  a  number  of  engravings  for  the  late  David 
Long  worth,  among  the  rest  a  set  for  the  Fables  of 
Flora,  the  head  vignettes  on  copper  and  the  tail 
pieces  on  wood.  The  late  Samuel  Wood  was  one  of 
my  most  constant  employers.  I  did  an  infinity  of 
cuts  for  his  excellent  set  of  small  books. 

Among  my  acquaintances  was  John  Roberts  from 
Dumfries,  the  person  mentioned  by  Burns  as  being 
good  at  the  burin.  I  sought  his  employ  in  hopes 
of  gaining  some  improvement  from  that  almost  uni- 
versal genius  and  assisted  in  finishing  several  plates; 
but  there  was  a  downward  tendency  about  the  man, 
and  our  intimacy  was  dropped.  His  end  was  rather 
melancholy. 

During  the  last  war  with  Great  Britain  my  title 


90  ALEXANDER  ANDERSON,  M.D. 

of  M.D.  would  not  preserve  me  from  being  drafted 
as  a  soldier  while  my  six  children  were  thrown  upon 
the  care  of  a  mother  already  showing  symptoms  of 
the  consumption  which  afterward  terminated  her 
life.  I  was  fortunate  enough  in  finding  a  substitute 
in  a  short  time.  I  returned  to  my  pursuits  and  was 
employed  by  the  corporation  to  engrave  the  small 
money  bills  issued  during  the  scarcity  of  specie. 

Constant  employment  has  caused  time  to  slip 
away,  till  I  find  myself  in  my  seventy-third  year.  I 
have  raised  and  supported  a  large  family  under 
rather  discouraging  circumstances,  and  what  comes 
next  is  in  the  book  of  fate.  A.  A. 


APPENDIX  B. 


EXTRACTS 

FKOM    THE 

DIARY   OF   ALEXANDER    ANDERSON 

FOE 

1795-1798. 

(The  Notes,  for  the  most  part,  are  by  VV.  W.  Pasko, 
of  the  New  York  "  Typothetse.") 


EXTRACTS 

FROM    THE 

DIARY   OF  ALEXANDER    ANDERSON 

FOR 

1795-1798. 


DIARY   FOR    1795. 

January  1st.  Morning — I  cast  over  again  the  plate 
of  Type-metal  for  Cressifi's  work. — 

A  slight  fall  of  snow. — Attended  at  the  Doctor's. 
— Kindled  a  fire  in  the  shop. — Call'd  upon  N.  Bird- 
sail  *  and  receiv'd  8/  10. — 

Scene,  the  Dr's  f  Shop— Gren.  Campbell  enters  and 
after  the  usual  compliments  undertakes  to  prove  that 
Woman  was  made  upon  the  7th  day. — Dr.  Youle  J 
arrived — .Political  Justice  &  Criminal  codes  became 
the  subjects  of  discussion. — Dr.  Smith  made  his  ap- 
pearance and  the  Gen.  not  long  after,  his  exit. — A 

*  Nathaniel  Birdsall,  printer  and  bookseller,  at  80  Cherry 
street. 

f  Dr.  Joseph  Young.  Dr.  Anderson  had  then  been  with 
him  since  May  1,  1789. 

J  Dr.  Joseph  Youle,  who  lived  at  97  Beekman  street.  He 
was  at  that  time  the  Scribe  of  the  Council  of  Tammany. 


94  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

System  of  Education  on  the  principles  of  Moral 
Chemistry  was  sketch'd  out. — The  Company  was  aug- 
mented by  the  arrival  of  Johnson  Butler  and  Mr. 
Mxon. — The  Drs  departed  &  Mr.  Watson,  Merchant 
Tailor,  came  in — made  a  short  stay. — 

3d.  Morning — finished  one  of  Durell's*  wooden  f 
cuts — began  to  repair  one  of  Hicks's  compass  plates. 
— Fore-noon,  spent  chiefly  in  the  Dr's  shop — -except 
taking  a  walk  to  the  Ship-yards  to  see  the  Keel 
of  the  Frigate. — About  3,  we  sat  down  to  din- 
ner, about  12  in  number. — I  made  myself  pretty 
active  in  helping  the  company — but  was  aware  how 
1  help'd  myself  to  mince  pie  again. — Ran  home  before 
dark.  I  engrav'd  a  few  strokes. — Benj.  Tanner  J 
call'd  to  know  my  price  for  the  cuts  of  the  Primer — 
I  return'd  to  tea- — play'd  a  few  tunes  on  the  Violin — 
came  home  with  Mamma  before  8. 

17th.  Spent  6d  for  Raisins. — Return'd  Rollin  and 

*  William  Durell,  who  began  with  toy  books,  but  had  now 
attained  to  much  greater  things.  He  continued  in  business 
for  a  long  time,  being  in  1795  at  208  Pearl  street.  He  was  a 
printer  and  stationer,  as  well  as  a  bookseller. 

f  The  use  of  boxwood  had  been  discovered  by  Anderson  the 
previous  year,  and  some  pieces  were  procured  with  great  diffi- 
culty for  his  experiments.  Later,  boxwood  was  regularly 
imported.  It  is  to  be  noted  that  he  invariably  says  "  wooden" 
cuts  instead  of  the  modern  usage,  "wood  cuts." 

I  Benjamin  Tanner,  an  engraver  of  26  Frankfort  street. 


APPENDIX   B.  95 

got  Nettletori  on  Virtue  from  Fellows's. — Dr.  David- 
son proposes  that  I  should  take  a  trip  with  him  to 
St.  Vincent's,  next  spring. — My  Mother  is  utterly 
averse  to  this  scheme. — Evening. — At  7,  according  to 
invitation,  I  went  to  Dr.  Smith's,  where  I  found 
eleven  others  who  attend  his  Lectures.  After  spend- 
ing some  time  in  sociable  discourse,  we  were  ask'd  into 
another  room  where  an  elegant  supper  was  provided. 
— I  evaded  drinking  more  than  a  glass  of  wine  &  ate 
hut  little. — Past  11  before  I  got  home. 

28th.  I  sat  up  till  12  last  night.— My  Brother* 
came  home  about  1. — I  attended  Chem.  Lecture. — 
Spent  5d  for  figs  &,  paid  3d  due  to  Seaman's. — 
Mrs.  Settersfield  was  at  breakfast  with  us  <fc  gave 
information  of  Aunt  Carpender'sf  ill  state  of  health, 
from  the  continuance  of  a  lingering  Dysentery. — I 
came  home  at  12,  got  ready  some  of  Mr.  Sacket's 
remedy  (Butternut  bark  and  Jerusalem  Oak)  and 
took  over  to  her  together  with  a  bottle  of  wine — 
gave  Kate  directions  for  preparing  the  medicine — 
ate  some  Supon  J  &  Milk,  and  fill'd  my  pockets  with 

*  His  brother  was  a  law  student. 

f  Mrs.  Carpender  recovered,  her  name  appearing  in  the  first 
Brooklyn  Directory,  which  was  published  in  1796.  She  was 
a  widow. 

I  Suppaan — the  flour  of  maize,  made  up  into  a  pudding  by 
boiling,  and  then  eaten  with  milk,  sugar  or  molasses. 


96  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

apples  which  she  forc'd  upon  me ;  got  home  before 
2,  sat  down  and  began  another  cut. — According  to 
Durell's  orders  I  spoke  for  6  more  blocks  of  box- 
wood at  Smith's.-— Mr.  Henderson,  schoolmaster 
from  Long  Island,  drank  tea  at  the  Dr's. — My 
Brother  John  has  pass'd  his  Examination,  and,  I 
have  reason  to  believe,  with  credit. — Evening — 
Went  to  the  College,  where  a  few  of  our  Medical 
Society  met. — I  came  home  at  8 — Capt.  Stuart  and 
his  daughter  were  there.  1  copied  the  drawing  for 
Dr.  Mitchill. 

February  2d.  Morning — Began  a  wooden  cut — 
Attended  Chem.  &  Clin.  Lectures. — Paid  Smith  12/ 
for  Boxwood,  on  Durell's  Acct. — Spent  6d.  for  Figs 
at  Seaman's.  Soon  after  dinner  I  came  home  and 
engrav'd. — After  taking  out  some  medicine  I  call'd  at 
Dr.  Graham's  from  whence  I  attended  Mamma  and 
Mrs.  Hefttell  to  Dr.  Davidson's  and  return'd. — He 
call'd  and  invited  me  to  tea. — Went  about  5,  with  T. 
Herttell. — We  had  the  pleasure  of  Dr.  Mitchill's* 
company  and  conversation — mentioned  the  plan  for 
a   Literary  Coffee-house. — Two   of    Capt.  Stewart's 


*  Samuel  L.  Mitchill,  LL.D.,  a  celebrated  physician,  was 
born  in  the  year  1703,  and  was  for  a  great  number  of  years 
professor  of  various  branches  in  tbe  College  of  Pbysicians  and 
Surgeons  of  New  York. 


APPENDIX   B.  99 

daughters  were  there. — Excellent  sweetmeats  were 
handed  round  after  tea  and  had  it  not  been  for  the 
noise  of  the  children  and  the  impertinence  of  a 
young  goat  who  made  a  forcible  entry  into  the  room 
to  the  great  terror  of  the  ladies,  the  time  might  be 
said  to  be  very  agreeably  spent. 

March  19th.  Engrav'd  a  Quadrant  for  Ad.  Hicks 
&  receiv'd  1/.  Undertook  to  engrave  9  copper- 
plates for  Mr.  Rivington*  at  40/  each,  for  a  book  of 
Fairy  Tales.  Stopp'd  in  at  a  book  auction  for  a 
few  minutes.  Got  home  about  9  &  read  Beatties 
Elements. 

20th.  Went  to  Myer's  and  bespoke  the  plates 
for  Rivington's  work,  to  do  two  on  each  plate. 
Saw  Cressin  at  Jones's  and  receiv'd  4  Dollars.  Mr. 
Mabie  invited  my  brother  to  be  a  spectator  at  the 
Dancing  School  this  evening.  I  read  in  Bell  and  Beat- 
tie.  Got  a  piece  solder'd  in  Cressin's  last  cut,  and 
in  the  evening  gave  Coco  a  new  face,  his  master  be- 
ing highly  displeas'd  with  the  other.  Theo.  Nixon 
drank  tea  at  the  Dr's. 


*  James  Rivington,  who  previous  to  the  Revolutionary 
War  published  Rivington's  New  York  Gazetteer,  or  the  Con- 
necticut, New  Jersey,  Hudson  River,  and  Quebec  Weekly 
Advertiser,  but  was  now  simply  a  bookseller  and  stationer,  at 
156  Pearl  street.  He  was  the  grandson  of  Charles  Rivington, 
the  eminent  publisher,  and  the  son  of  Charles  Rivington,  a 
printer  and  publisher. 


100  ALEXANDER    ANDERSON,  M.D. 

24th.  Scour'd  a  copper-plate.  Began  Gilfert's 
plate.  The  Negro  paid  7/  for  the  stamp.  Call'd  at 
my  Father's  in  the  forenoon.  Grand-mamma  was 
there,  from  Brooklyn.  Call'd  at  old  Mr.  Pierce's  in 
Chatham  St.  to  look  at  his  old  violin.  No  sooner 
had  I  struck  a  note  than  his  wife  denounc'd  the 
Music  as  leading  to  the  Devil.  I  went  again  in  the 
evening  and  brought  it  away  with  me,  promising  to 
return  it  in  the  morning  or  pay  5  Dollars  for  it.  I 
was  so  much  pleased  with  the  tone  of  it  that  1  put 
it  in  Mr.  Claus's  hands  to  varnish  and  repair.  Mont- 
gomery Hunt  &  John  Ferguson  spent  part  of  the 
evening  at  my  Father's.  My  brother  &  I  gave 
them  some  tunes  on  the  violin. 

26th.  Spent  about  2  hours  at  the  Library.  Took 
out  Zimmerman's  Survey  of  Europe.  Call'd  at 
Scoles's.  He  found  much  fault  with  my  engraving 
Gilfert's  plate  so  cheap.  I  took  the  brass  stamps 
which  I  did  for  him  some  time  ago  to  alter  them. 
They  were  return'd  on  his  hands.  Went  to  the 
Wharf  opposite  the  Navy  Yard  and  saw  J.  Grozart, 
on  board  the  Brig  Neptune.  He  has  been  absent 
near  2  years,  and  was  at  Baltimore,  Hamburg,  some 
part  of  France,  London,  Boston,  Philadelphia,  then 
to  the  southward,  from  whence  they  return'd  with 
timber  for  the  frigate.     His   station  was  2d   mate. 


APPENDIX   B.  101 

I  mentioned  to  Dr.  Young  my  intention  of  leaving 
him  next  month,  and  applying  for  a  license.  Re- 
fus'd  his  offer  of  Partnership.  After  8  in  the  even- 
ing I  varnish'd  a  copper-plate. 

April  1st.  Began  to  etch  Rivington's  2d  plate.  I 
took  the  delineation  of  the  Insects  to  Dr.  Mitchill, 
who  agreed  to  my  proposal  of  offering  it,  with  a 
paper  of  his  on  the  subject,  to  Swords*  for  insertion 
in  the  Magazine.  I  accordingly  deliver'd  it  to  him. 
After-noon — A.  Herttell  was  at  my  Father's.  I  be- 
spoke a  pair  of  Silk-stocking  breeches  at  Sander's 
for  9  Dollars  !  Evening — Went  to  Mrs.  Rose's  and 
sat  with  the  family.  Supper  being  brought  in,  I  sat 
down  with  them,  but  help'd  myself  but  sparingly. 
I  was  oblig'd  to  drink  a  glass  and  a  half  of  wine, 
the  operation  of  which  I  felt  in  my  head  during  the 
remainder  of  the  evening. 

22d.  Receiv'd  from  Cressin  £4.  4  and  from  Bird- 
sail  £2.  My  Brother  &  I  call'd  upon  Mr.  Scoles, 
who  accompanied  us  to  see  the  Panorama,. or  View 
of  the  City  of  London — an  entertainment  new  & 
highly  delighting  to  me.     The  painting  lines  the  in- 

*  James  and  Thomas  Swords  were  printers  who  learned 
their  trade  in  this  city  during  the  Eevolution.  They  became 
publishers,  and  continued  so  till  their  deaths.  They  and 
Durell  may  be  esteemed  as  the  first  who  made  publishing  a 
business  in  this  city. 


102  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

side  of  a  circular  building,  and  is  view'd  from  a 
station  in  the  middle,  suppos'd  to  be  the  top  of  the 
Albion  mills.  Drank  tea  &  staid  at  the  Doctor's 
'till  evening.  Receiv'd  16/  more  from  Birdsall. 
Came  home  and  employ'd  myself  in  casting  type- 
metal  'till  I  was  fairly  tired. 

24th.  Call'd  at  the  Dr's.  Spread  a  plaster  and 
off  again.  Spent  most  of  the  day  in  engraving. 
Finish 'd  the  letters  gibonne  for  Cressin  &  did  part 
of  3  other  type-metal  cuts.  My  brother  gone  to 
public  speaking  at  Flat-bush.  I  got  an  impression 
of  the  last  copperplate  and  delivered  to  Mr.  Riving- 
ton.  Got  a  piece  solder' d  in  a  cut  by  G.  Youle. 
Evening — I  went  with  my  glue-pot  in  my  hand  to 
Mr.  Warner's  &  mended  the  frame  of  Mr.  Banks's 
glass.  Call'd  in  at  Mr.  Bailey's  and  sat  awhile. 
Augustus  is  preparing  for  another  voyage  to  St. 
Augustine. 

May  12th.  Anniversary  of  Tammany.*  Got  my 
waistcoat  from  the  Tailor  and  paid  his  bill  15/. 
Bespoke  a  blue  coat.  About  9  I  went  with  my 
Brother  to  Gardiner  Baker,  who  presented  us  with 
Tickets  for  the  Oration.  At  10  went  to  the  Old 
Presbyterian  meeting  house.     Sat  in  the  pew  with 

*  Tammany  was  then  six  years  old. 


APPENDIX   B.  105 

Dr.  Davidson.  About  11  the  Society  arriv'd,  when 
Dr.  Mitchill  began  the  Oration,  or  rather  Narration, 
in  the  Indian  style,  relating  the  fictitious  history  of 
Tammany,  interlarded  with  the  Indian  mythology. 
A  collection  was  made  for  the  Charity  School,  to 
which  I  contributed  2/.  About  dusk  I  went  with 
Mamma  to  Mrs.  Bailey's. 

21st.  Rose  at  4.  Breakfasted  and  call'd  on  A. 
Tiebout  before  6.  After  he  had  put  his  shop  in 
order  we  set  off  for  Paules  Hook  Ferry-house. 
Stepp'd  into  a  Boat  which  was  just  going  off,  and 
after  a  short  passage  found  ourselves  transported 
into  the  delightfully  varied  scenes  of  New  Jersey. 
We  walk'd  on,  enjoying  the  beautiful  and  romantic 
prospects  around  us ;  pass'd  over  the  New-Bridge 
of  Hackinsack  River,  and  took  the  road  leading  to 
the  Mines,  being  a  causeway  form'd  through  the 
Cedar  swamp.  Stopp'd  at  a  little  cottage  and  re- 
fresh'd  ourselves  with  a  drink  of  Buttermilk. 
About  10,  we  found  ourselves  at  the  mines.*     ISome 

*  This  copper  mine  was  in  the  present  town  of  Harrison, 
east  of  Belleville,  but  very  near  to  it.  It  was  worked  for 
twenty  years  or  more  before  the  Revolution,  the  steam  engine 
referred  to  being  imported  from  England.  While  the  war 
was  going  on  labor  ceased.  It  had  not  been  resumed  long, 
apparently,  when  Anderson  visited  it,  and  this  renewal  of 
work  did  not  prove  to  be  permanent.  Some  of  the  cuttings 
and  mounds  of  earth  are  still  to  be  seen. 


106  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

little  boys  were  employ'd  in  breaking  the  ore,  near 
one  of  the  entrances,  under  the  shade  of  trees  with 
which  the  whole  hill  was  pretty  well  cover'd.  We 
ventur'd  in,  after  taking  the  precaution  to  cool  our- 
selves, and  were  furnish'd  with  a  candle  by  one  of 
the  Miners,  who  was  very  attentive  to  lead  us  thro' 
the  different  avenues.  He  inform'd  us  that  there 
were  16  Workmen,  mostly  Welchmen,  in  the  mine. 
We  put  some  specimens  of  the  ore  in  our  pockets. 
Left  this  dismal  cavern  by  ascending  a  perpendicu- 
lar ladder  about  50  feet  long,  after  giving  our  guide 
half  a  dollar,  with  which  he  appear' d  well  satisfied. 
From  this  we  went  to  the  mouth  of  the  old  shaft 
and  view'd  the  Steam-engine,  now  out  of  use.  After 
resting  on  the  grass,  we  took  the  road  to  New-ark. 
2  miles  brought  us  to  Second  liver,*  which  we 
cross'd  in  a  little  ferry-boat.  The  heat  became 
pretty  violent  and  my  companion  perspired  prodig- 
iously. Between  12  &  1  we  arriv'd  at  New-ark 
and  went  to  a  public  house,  where  we  got  a  bit  of  a 
dinner.  Set  off  with  fresh  strength  on  the  Road  for 
Paules  Hook,  cross'd  the  2  Bridges,  and  saw  the 
Draw-bridge  of  one  rais'd  to  let  a  sloop  pass.  A 
slight  fall  of  rain  overtook   us  in  our  journey  over 

*  The  Second  River  is  a  branch  of  the  Passaic,  and  is  the 
northern  boundary  of  Newark. 


APPENDIX   B.  107 

the  long  causeway.  We  were  much  diverted  with  a 
combat  between  a  Crow  &  7  Black-birds.  Got  to 
the  Ferry  house  before  5,  not  without  having  suf- 
fer'd  some  apprehensions  from  a  Man  who  join'd  us 
on  the  road.  Arriv'd  at  home  before  6.  Mr.  Reid 
had  left  the  book  for  me  to  begin  the  cuts. 

June  24th.  At  9  attended  at  Justice  Brasher's 
and  gave  my  evidence  in  favor  of  Dr.  Young.  Much 
grieved  at  finding  that  I  had  deviated  a  little  from 
truth.  Before  dinner  I  finished  the  map  just  as  Mr. 
Reid  came  in.  He  took  it  with  him  and  in  the 
afternoon  brought  a  proof.  I  drew  a  tolerable  like- 
ness of  Mamma.  Walked  on  the  Battery.  Saw  a 
ship  loaded  with  passengers  from  Ireland,  as  I  was 
afterward  informed.  Saw  Aug.  Bailey.  Stopped 
at  his  house  and  looked  at  a  young  bear  of  his, 
which  he  had  brought  from  St.  Augustine.  Receiv- 
ed a  letter  from  John  Babcock  (Hartford),  with 
orders  for  engraving  cuts  for  a  little  book.  Got  the 
plate  from  Myers  and  paid  him  6  dollars.  Wrote 
an  answer  to  Babcock. 

July  4th.  Anniversary  of  American  Independence. 
I  was  aroused  pretty  early  by  the  firing  of  Cannon 
and  ringing  of  bells. — I  paid  9d.  for  different  medi- 
cines at  Wainwright's,  made  some  pills  and  put  up, 
with    some  articles  for  I.   Grozart.     Before  dinner 


108  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

took  a  walk  towards  the  brick-meeting*  and  saw  the 
procession  of  the  troops  and  public  Societies. 
Stopped  at  Mrs.  Rose's  and  sat  awhile.  Afternoon 
engraved  pretty  steadily.  J.  Dougall  sat  and  read 
with  us.  I  bought  a  hat  for  4  dollars.  Finished 
reading  the  Citizen  of  the  World.  Went  to  see  the 
fire  works  before  the  Government  House.f     After- 


*  The  Brick  Meeting  House  was  the  Presbyterian  Church 
at  the  junction  of  Nassau  street,  Park  row  and  Spruce  street, 
which  when  it  was  built  were  called  respectively  Nassau 
street,  Chatham  street  and  George  street.  The  face  was  on 
Beekman  street.  A  grant  was  obtained  from  the  corporation 
of  this  piece  of  land,  then  almost  out  of  town,  and  the  church, 
which  was  intended  for  those  who  were  swarming  from  the 
AY  all  street  one,  was  opened  for  divine  service  January  1st, 
1768.  During  the  Revolution  it  was  an  hospital.  The  pas- 
tors in  1795  were  Dr.  Rodgers,  Dr.  McKnight,  and  Dr.  Mil- 
ler. The  church  was  demolished  about  1856,  the  members 
moving  uptown.  The  ground  is  now  occupied  by  the  Potter 
building  and  the  Times  building. 

f  By  the  Government  House  is  meant  the  building  erected 
upon  the  site  of  the  fort  below  the  Bowling  Green  for  the 
residence  of  the  President  of  the  United  States.  As  the  capi- 
tal of  the  nation  was  removed  to  Philadelphia  about  the  time 
of  its  completion  the  President  never  lived  there,  but  the 
Governors  of  the  State,  George  Clinton  and  John  Jay,  did. 
When  Albany  became  the  State  capital  early  in  the  century 
the  edifice  was  used  for  various  governmental  purposes  until 
the  latter  part  of  1815  or  beginning  of  1816,  when  it  was  de- 
molished. Upon  its  site  were  erected  in  1816  and  1817  the 
dwellings  now   used  for  steamship  offices.       They  were  the 


^ 


AVt>£KSa//  tc. 


A  Lover's  Complaint. 


APPENDIX    B.  Ill 

wards  walked  about  and  viewed  some  illumina- 
tions. 

7th.  Morning.  Cast  type  metal  cuts.  Planned 
out  a  jaunt  to  Rockaway  and  enquired  when  the 
stage  goes.  During  the  forenoon  I  was  very  busy 
at  engraving.  Finished  the  last  of  Harrison's  cuts, 
and  delivered  to  him.  He  paid  me  5  dollars  in  part. 
I  paid  Smith  1/  for  smoothing  oft'  the  negro's  stamp. 
Having  cooked  and  eat  dinner  in  haste,  I  left  home 
and  crossed  the  ferry  about  1.  Sat  at  Aunt  Carpen- 
der's,  who  compelled  me  to  eat,  till  2,  when  I  stepped 
into  the  stage,  with  no  other  company  than  the 
Driver,  a  clever  negro  fellow.  Before  5  we  arrived 
at  Jamaica,  where  the  Horses  and  I  having  eaten  a 
little  we  set  forward  again  and  reached  Far  Rocka- 
way about  sunset.  Took  up  my  quarters  at  Mr. 
Vanderbilt's,  and  paid  8/  for  the  stage.  A  view  of 
the  sea  from  the  House,  which  is  about  a  mile  oft'. 
Got  supper.     Coffee. 

handsomest  in  town,  and  were  really  very  spacious  and  com- 
modious buildings.  Washington  Irving  speaks  of  a  party  he 
attended  in  one  of  them  in  the  highest  terms,  and  gives  a 
glowing  description  of  the  house.  The  last  recorded  event  in 
connection  with  the  Government  House  prior  to  its  destruc- 
tion was  the  illumination  in  honor  of  the  peace  of  1S15.  It 
was  a  tall  structure  entered  from  the  front  by  two  winding 
series  of  steps,  and  was  of  large  size. 


112  ALEXANDER    ANDERSON,  M.D. 

8th.  Rose  before  5.  Took  a  walk  to  the  beach 
and  enjoyed  the  grand  view  of  the  Ocean.  Walked 
so  far  along  the  shore  that  it  was  near  6  o'clock 
before  I  returned  to  the  house.  A  clever  old  wench 
belonging  to  the  family  procured  me  a  violin  from 
one  of  the  neighbors.  This  afforded  a  very  accept- 
able amusement.  Before  dinner  I  took  a  walk 
down  a  different  road  and  came  near  the  Narrows. 
I  got  Scott's  Elocution.  Reading  this,  walking  and 
fiddling  filled  up  the  remainder  of  the  day. 

9th.  The  violin  taken  away  last  night ;  one  source 
of  amusement  withdrawn.  I  rose  early  and  went  to 
the  beach  where  I  bathed.  In  the  afternoon,  having 
chosen  a  new  path,  I  followed  it  till  I  came  near  the 
Narrows.  In  returning  I  lost  myself  and  it  was 
some  time  befoie  I  could  find  my  way  out  of  the 
wood.  A  young  fellow  who  has  been  waiter  to  a 
gentleman  from  the  Southward  came  to  engage  a 
seat  in  the  stage — an  arch  chap  with  his  magic  lan- 
tern— I  have  seen  him  before  cutting  his  capers 
round  my  father's  door.  Evening  I  paid  my  Land- 
lord 18/. 

10th.  Went  this  morning  to  take  leave  of  the 
beach.  Last  night  I  had  very  distressing  dreams, 
occasioned  I  believe  by  leaving  my  collar  but- 
toned.    Before  dinner  I  went  and  picked  blackber- 


APPENDIX   B.  113 

ries.  At  1  o'clock,  having  settled  with  ray  landlord, 
I  took  a  seat  in  the  stage.  With  ns  a  neighboring 
farmer,  Mr.  Ash  from  the  Southward,  and  a  young 
girl.  The  first  and  last  left  us  at  Jamaica,  where  we 
staid  an  hour.  I  walked  about  the  town.  A  little 
after  4  we  started  again  and  arrived  at  Brooklyn 
about  7.  Stopped  a  few  minutes  at  Aunt  Carpen- 
der's.  Crossed  the  ferry  and  found  all  well.  Mr. 
Reid  has  paid  j£l9  for  the  map.  I  paid  4/  for 
having  my  old  Hat  dressed. 

August  11th.  After-noon  called  at  Birdsall's,  and 
at  Seaman's  Cellar,  to  give  advice  to  this  extraordi- 
nary family.  I  cannot  help  admiring  the  phlegmatic, 
unruffled  disposition  of  one  of  them.  Her  Child 
came  tumbling  down  the  stone  steps.  "  Doctor,  can 
you  mend  broken  heads,  too  V  says  she,  picking  him 
up  very  leisurely.  Evening,  I  went  to  Dr.  Young's 
&  saw  Mr.  Herttell,  who  is  unwell.  A  Typhus  fever 
has  carried  oif  7  or  8  in  that  neighborhood. 

23d.  Sunday  Forenoon,  heard  Mr.  Beach,  I.  Thes- 
salon.  iv,  13.  Afternoon,  Mr.  Bisset,  John  vi,  38. 
As  I  was  at  tea,  Dr.  Smith  call'd  to  oifer  me  the  care 
of  the  Hospital  at  Bellevue,*  in  place  of  P.  Ander- 

*Bellevue  Hospital  was  then  a  long  distance  from  the  city. 
It  does  not  appear  that  the  present  extensive  buildings  had 
been   begun   in   1795.      There   could   have   been    little   else 


114  ALEXANDER    ANDERSON,  M.D. 

son,  who  lias  returned  somewhat  unwell.  The 
Salary  20s.  a  day.  I  promised  to  give  him  a  decisive 
answer  in  the  evening.  Went  to  Mr.  Dunn's  room 
and  heard  a  discourse  from  a  Stranger.  Call'd  at 
Dr.  Smith's  and  agree'd  to  accept  the  proposal.  The 
prevailing  Epidemic  Fever  *  appears  to  spread  con- 
siderably near  Dr.  Young's. 

24th  Behold  me  in  a  new  Station  and  my  mind 
in  a  State  of  contusion  and  perplexity.  At  10  O'clock 
I  call'd  on  Dr.  Smith,  and  after  sitting  near  2  hours 
stepped  into  the  Chair  with  him  and  away  we  posted 
to  Bellevue.  After  instructing  me  in  my  duty  and 
introducing  me  to  the  family  and  patients,  he  shook 
me  affectionately  by  the  hand  and  departed.  There 
are  6  patients.     The  Family  consists  of  Mr.  Fisher, 

there  than  an  old-fashioned  country  house,  with  a  few  extra 
outbuildings.  Its  occupation  by  the  city  was  originally  for  an 
almshouse,  it  being  bought  in  1794  for  £2,000.  At  the  begin- 
ning of  the  Revolutionary  war  the  poor,  who  had  previously 
been  quartered  in  a  building  in  the  present  City  Hall  Park, 
were  removed  first  to  West  Chester  and  then  to  Poughkeepsie. 
After  the  war,  when  they  returned,  a  new  building  was  erected 
in  Chambers  street.  The  new  Almshouse  at  Bellevue,  now  a 
part  of  the  Hospital,  was  opened  in  the  beginning  of  the  year 
1816.  Its  expense,  including  that  of  the  Penitentiary  and 
other  buildings,  was  $418,791.34.  There  was  a  farm  connected 
with  this  up  to  1830.  The  first  regular  Hospital  building  was 
begun  here  in  1823. 
*  The  Yellow  Fever. 


APPENDIX   B.  115 

the  steward,  and  his  wife,  Old  Daddy,  the  gardener, 
an  old  negro,  a  black  nurse,  and  2  white  ones.  I 
spent  the  afternoon  in  putting  up  medicines  and 
arranging  matters.  At  5  O'clock  I  set  off  and 
walk'd  to  my  Father's,  3£  miles,  drank  tea,  pack'd  up 
some  clothes,  books,  <fcc,  in  a  trunk  which  I  bought 
of  my  Father.  My  Mother's  feelings  are  not  a  little 
agitated  on  this  change  in  our  family.  I  returned  to 
the  Hospital  about  half  past  8,  my  Brother  keeping 
me  company  about  a  mile  up  the  road.  Another 
patient  had  arrived.  Attending  to  him  and  writing 
the  daily  report  to  the  Committee  of  Health  em- 
ploy'd  me  'till  near  10  in  the  evening. 

27th.  This  morning  I  began  to  apprehend  hot 
weather,  but  the  wind  rose  before  noon  and  we  had 
a  very  pleasant  day.  I  wrote  a  few  lines  to  my 
Mother  by  the  Steward,  who  brought  me  an  answer, 
together  with  a  letter  from  my  Brother  and  another 
from  Alex.  Tiebout.  This  was  a  great  gratification. 
I  answer'd  the  two  latter  immediately.  Another 
patient  sent  up  in  a  shocking  condition,  10  days  of 
the  disease,  vomiting  blood  by  mouthfuls ;  in  short, 
he  died  within  2  hours'  time.  His  Brother  came 
again  to  see  the  corpse,  but  was  not  allowed.  The 
relations  of  Betsy  Gants,  a  young  girl,  were  very 
anxious  to  see  her,  and  to  indulge  them  we  had  her 


116  ALEXANDER  ANDERSON,  M.D. 

led  to  the  window,  while  they  stood  at  some  distance 
in  the  Garden.  Two  young  seamen  arriv'd  in  a  cart. 
The  violence  of  their  fever  demanded  blood  letting, 
which  I  perform'd  immediately.  Had  occasion  to 
bleed  the  young  girl,  likewise,  before  night.  Dr. 
Smith  made  us  a  visit  and  saw  the  patients.  Even- 
ing I  wrote  a  letter  to  my  mother,  and  the  Report 
to  the  Committee. 

i^sth.  We  have  had  no  fresh  arrivals  to-day,  but 
the  situation  of  my  other  patients  really  puzzles 
me.  One  of  them  who  has  suffered  extremely  and 
with  unparalleled  patience  is  dangerously  ill,  but  his 
lungs  were  disordered  when  he  came  here.  I  receivxl 
a  letter  from  my  Brother  and  one  from  Jn.  Babcock 
at  Hartford ;  answer'd  one  in  the  fore-noon  and  one 
in  the  evening. 

29th.  The  picture  of  my  mind  would  appear  very 
variegated  this  day.  In  the  morning  every  thing 
round  me  had  a  cheerful  aspect  because  my  patients 
were  better.  My  pleasure  was  heightened  by  the 
reception  of  a  packet  of  letters.  I  had  begun  an 
answer  to  one,  when  I  was  call'd  to  see  the  young 
girl,  who  evinc'd  such  alarming  symptoms  that  I 
almost  despair'd  of  her ;  however,  we  stirr'd  about 
pretty  briskly,  and  reviv'd  her  a  little  by  the  appli- 
cation of  a  large  blister  and  pouring  down  medicines, 


APPENDIX   B.  119 

&c.  In  the  evening  a  black  man  was  sent  up.  I 
wrote  letters  to  my  Mother,  Brother,  and  A.  Tie- 
bout. 

30th.  Last  night  the  Girl  and  "Murphy,  whom  I 
mention'd  for  his  patience,  both  died.  In  the  morn- 
ing a  wench  was  sent  up  from  TilHnghast,  with  a 
note  requesting  me  to  take  particular  care  of  her. 

1  receiv'd  a  letter  from  my  Brother  and  my  Bible, 
which  I  had  written  for.  Went  to  town  in  about  an 
hour  by  a  shorter  road  ;  din'd  and  sat  awhile  at  my 
Father's ;  got  back  a  little  after  3,     Not  long  after 

2  girls  arrived.  I  could  not  help  contrasting  the 
characters  of  the  Boatmen,  who  are  appointed  to 
convey  the  sick  here,  with  that  of  the  Hearse-men. 
I  was  pleas'd  to  see  the  care  and  attention  of  the 
former  in  helping  the  poor  girls  from  the  boat,  and 
the  "  God  bless  you"  which  they  left  with  them,  but 
the  other  fellows  seem  to  glory  in  a  disregard  to 
Feeling  and  Delicacy.  I  versified  a  part  of  the  1st 
chap,  of  Genesis.  Evening,  wrote  to  my  Mother. 
This  morning  I  wrote  to  Dr.  Young. 

September  1  st.  This  morning  we  lost  2  patients — 
Tillinghast's  wench  and  the  seaman  who  arriv'd  yes- 
terday. The  latter  had  drunk  a  large  quantity 
of  saltwater,  after  taking  an  emetic  at  sea.  The 
wench's  husband  came  to  enquire  for  her.    I  dismiss'd 


120  ALEXANDER    ANDERSON,  M.D. 

him  with  a  sorrowful  heart,  with  a  line  to  Mr.  Til- 
linghast.  Admitted,  a  lad,  an  Apprentice  of  John 
Utt,  attended  by  his  Mother,  who  had  got  a  permis- 
sion from  Mr.  Broome  to  be  his  nurse.  I  have  not 
been  fifty  yards  from  the  house  since  Sunday. 
Evening,  wrote  a  letter  to  my  Brother  and  a  string 
of  Rhyme  to  my  Mother  which  as  it  may  amuse  me, 
and  perhaps  somebody  else  hereafter,  I  shall  sub- 
join : 

To  her  who  has  nurs'd  me  and  led  me  to  see 

The  World  &  the  Objects  pertaining  to  me, 

Has  guarded  my  steps  and  preserv'd  me  from  falling 

Into  fire,  well,  &  mill  pond  when  toddling  and  crawling, 

Who  has  hush'd  me  to  sleep  when  as  cross  as  a  brat 

And  spank'd  me  when  needful,  the  better  for  that, 

Has  sent  me  to  School  when  abroad  I  would  roam 

And  to  Church  when  Fd  rather  be  sitting  at  home, 

Who  taught  me  in  drawing  the  pencil  to  handle, 

And  burn'd  up  her  Cap  in  the  flame  of  the  Candle, 

Whose  useful  Instruction  inform'd  my  young  mind 

With  rules  for  Behavior  &  Conduct  designed, 

Who  set  me  to  reading  the  Mantuan  bard, 

Who  tells  of  iEneas's  travelling  so  hard 

In  search  of  a  place  which  in  ages  to  come 

Was  to  be  the  foundation  of  seven  hill'd  Rome, 

With  tales  of  the  Arabs  my  mind  did  amuse, 

Expanded  my  powers  and  enlarged  my  views, 

My  Home  made  engaging,  invites  me  to  stay 

Nor  gallop  about  in  the  streets  after  play. 


APPENDIX   B.  121 

At  home  or  abroad,  in  this  place  or  t'other 
I  still  shall  remember  the  care  of  my  Mother, 
Her  advice  recollect  and  her  counsels  regard, 
Since  that  she  declares  is  her  greatest  reward. 
At  the  Desk  or  the  Table,  wherever  you  are, 
Attending  your  Flowers  or  adjusting  your  hair, 
This  hard  labor'd  ditty  in  shape  of  a  letter 
I  beg  you'll  accept  for  want  of  a  better. 

15th.  We  lost  3  patients  to-day  and  as  many  were 
admitted,  one  of  them  a  young  woman  with  a  little 
babe.  I  was  inform'd  that  she  was  of  good  family 
but  had  run  oif  with  a  Captain.  I  believe  she  is 
from  Scotland,  as  she  was  wrapp'd  up  in  a  plaid 
cloak.  I  amus'd  myself  in  strolling  along  the  shore 
on  the  cliffs  and  took  a  walk  to  the  head  of  the  lane. 
4  of  the  Committee  were  here  in  the  after-noon  and 
were  troubled  with  the  complaints  of  the  nurses 
who  had  contriv'd  to  fall  out.  After  they  were 
gone  the  storm  rose  a  little  and  Mrs.  Fisher  and 
Mrs.  Hull  came  to  pretty  high  words.  lam  some- 
times tempted  to  resign  my  station,  but,  really,  I  am 
afraid  that  like  Jonah  I  shall  meet  with  a  worse 
fate. 

24th.  14  patients  were  admitted  to-day;  4  died,  1 
dismiss'd.  I  have  16  under  my  care.  A  man  who 
was  in  service  at  Bush-hill  during  the  prevalence  of 


122  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

the  disease  in  Philadelphia  applied  for  employment. 
I  natter  myself  that  a  storm  is  at  hand,  which  from 
the  beneficial  effect  it  will  have  on  the  air  is  much 
desired.  How  happy  would  we  be  if  we  could 
always  resign  ourselves  to  the  will  of  Providence  & 
act  with  Fortitude.  I  think  I  can  see  the  wise  in- 
tentions of  our  Common  Father  in  placing  me  in 
this  situation.  I  do  not  expect  to  meet  with  greater 
trials  in  this  life  than  I  have  experienc'd  here.  May 
I  be  better  enabled  to  support  them.  Perhaps  at 
some  future  period  these  lines  may  appear  ridicu- 
lous to  others.  Perhaps  they  may  be  the  means  of 
reclaiming  me  from  error ;  if  so  I'll  run  the  risque 
of  the  former  and  record  the  present  state  of  my 
mind. 

October  8th.  A  Rainy  day.  No  arrivals  to-day, 
and  of  course  we  found  a  little  more  leisure  than 
usual.  I  found  much  entertainment  in  overhauling 
the  journals  of  a  young  Man  who  died  this  morning, 
James  Sackin,  lately  from  England,  Clerk  to  Drowly 
&  Drawbridge.  His  observations  are  very  judicious ; 
his  sentiments  in  religion  similar  to  Dr.  Priestly's. 

The  billiard  room,  as  we  call  it,  really  exhibits  a 
curious  scene.  On  the  right  hand  as  you  enter,  lies 
an  old  fellow  with  his  head  always  muffled  up  in  his 
blanket.     On  pulling  this  off  you  disclose  his  yellow 


APPENDIX   B.  123 

phiz,  and  something  very  humorous  in  the  look  he 
gives  you.  In  answer  to  my  enquiry  how  he  was 
this  morning,  he  said  he  "  felt  like  the  divil,"  and 
then  bundled  himself  up  in  his  blanket.  On  the  left 
lies  another  who  had  got  up  in  the  night  and  drag- 
ged his  bed  into  the  middle  of  the  floor  and  next 
made  a  migration  into  the  corner  of  the  room.  In 
another  corner  is  a  Barber  who  came  in  last  evening, 
and  seems  much  disposed  for  a  conference  with  his 
neighbours.  I  could  not  help  bursting  into  a  laugh 
at  this  conjunction  of  ludicrous  objects,  notwith- 
standing the  melancholy  condition  of  the  poor  beings. 
3  died  to-day. 

McFarlane  was  surgeon  on  board  an  English 
ship,  and  has  visited  most  of  the  West  India 
Islands. 

It  began  to  clear  off  at  Sunset,  when  the 
Clouds,  together  with  the  Rainbow  exhibited  a 
beautiful  appearance.  We  took  the  liberty  to  dis- 
charge a  nurse  and  employ  another,  a  decent  looking 
old  woman  in  her  place.  Our  reasons  for  this  step 
were  these.  In  the  first  place  she  is  addicted  to 
liquor,  and  of  course  the  patients  must  suffer  from 
neglect,  but  they  likewise  suffer  from  her  behaviour 
which  is  very  rough  and  illy  fitted  to  sooth  the 
mind  of  a  sick  person. 


124  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

COPY    OF    VERSES    WRITTEN   TO    A.    TIEBOUT. 

I  insert  them  not  from  any  supposed   excellence 

but  for  the  sake  of  recalling  past  Ideas. 

Could  flowing  numbers  animate  my  breast 

And  fire  poetic  raise  a  mind  depress'd, 

How  would  I  catch  from  Friendship's  genial  shrine 

The  sacred  flame  and  call  the  muses  mine. 

The  Muses — no,  a  higher  aid  I  call 

Before  whose  Throne  those  fancied  beings  fall. 

Who  first  to  Mortal  Man  existence  gave 

And  next  consigned  him  to  the  silent  grave, 

In  fairer  day  to  rise  and  ope  those  powers 

Which  only  budded  in  this  world  of  ours. 

0  glorious  prospect,  worthy  all  our  care, 

With  hope  to  wait  and  for  the  event  prepare  ; 

A  great  event,  which  different  colours  wears, 

As  man  has  reason  for  his  hopes  or  fears. 

To  him  who  justice  does  and  mercy  loves 

And  fears  the  God  who  through  all  nature  moves, 

The  prospect  opens  and  in  clearer  skies 

His  soul  expands,  while  radiant  glories  rise, 

But  he  whose  mind  corrupted  and  debas'd, 

The  heavenly  image  of  his  God  defac'd, 

In  keen  remorse  anticipates  the  day 

When  low  in  dust  his  guilty  joys  shall  lay  ; 

When  vengeance  threatening  long,  now  strikes  the  blow 

Which  breaks  the  stubborn  heart  and  kindles  woe  ; 

'Till  purged  from  every  stain,  Eternal  Love 

Removes  the  suppliant  to  the  realms  above, 

Coeval  with  Eternity  to  sing 

Th/  unbounded  goodness  of  our  heavenly  King. 

27th.  This  morning  I  went  to  town.     Found  my 
Father's  Family  well ;   must  see  the  silver  tea-pot 


APPENDIX   B.  127 

which  he  has  presented  to  mamma.  Walk'd  out  and 
bought  some  shoe-ribbon.  Met  Cressin  who  wishes 
to  have  more  engravings  done.  Mrs.  Hall,  one  of 
our  former  nurses,  called  upon  me  to  get  a  character 
<fc  certificate  of  her  behaviour  while  in  the  Hospital ; 
told  me  that  after  Stymets'  decease  she  applied  to 
Alderman  Furman  for  her  wages,  who  refus'd  to 
pay  her  and  on  her  further  importunity  threaten'd 
to  send  her  to  Bridewell.*  Said  she  was  in  a  great 
hurry  for  her  money,  and  asked  her  what  she  would 
do  when  that  was  expended.  I  gave  my  testimony 
that  she  conducted  herself  soberly  &  honestly  while 
nurse.  I  return'd  to  the  Hospital  before  3.  Mary 
Brown  had  died,  2  Discharged.  I  spent  near  an 
hour  in  playing  on  the  Violin. 

November  5th.  This  morning  I  went  to  town. 
Call'd  at  Reid's  (Bookseller)  who  urg'd  me  to  hurry 
on  the  Hieroglyphic  engravings.  I  went  home  and 
once  more  began  to  use  my  engraving  tools,  now 
growing    rusty.      Before    three    o'clock    P.  M.     I 

*  The  Bridewell  was  on  the  west  side  of  the  City  Hall,  in 
the  Park,  and  was  the  common  jail.  It  was  a  small  structure 
of  gray  stone,  two  stories  high,  besides  the  basement.  It  was 
an  object  of  terror  to  those  who  were  likely  to  be  imprisoned 
there,  beyond  what  an  ordinary  jail  would  be,  as  jail  fevers  in 
that  building  were  frequently  very  destructive. 


128  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

finish 'd  7  of  the  cuts,  and  contriv'd  to  have  a  room 
fitted  up  for  my  winter  quarters.  In  my  way  back 
I  got  Howard's  Life  from  the  Library,  having  re- 
turned the  Spectator.  My  Brother  and  I  stopp'd  in 
at  Capt.  Howe's  at  his  invitation.  He  walk'd  part 
of  the  way  with  us  afterward.  I  met  with  something 
to  flatter  my  vanity.  This  was  the  sight  of  my 
name  honorably  mention'd  in  the  Papers  by  the 
Health  Committee. 

12th.  This  morning  I  took  leave  of  Belle-vue 
Hospital,  having  agreed  to  return  to-morrow  to  see 
Mrs.  Black  who  still  continues  unwell.  George,  the 
black  man,  was  much  affected  when  I  gave  him  his 
discharge.  In  my  way  home  I  met  McFarlane,  who 
return'd  with  me.  I  made  a  pretty  sudden  transition 
in  my  business.  Having  kindled  a  fire  in  my  new 
apartment  I  began  at  engraving.  After  dinner  I 
went  with  my  Brother  and  sat  a  while  with  Dr. 
Young  ;  next  call'd  at  YouWs  and  got  some  type- 
metal,  for  which  I  paid  13/10. — Return'd  &,  em- 
ploy'd  the  remainder  of  the  day  in  casting  blocks 
for  the  Hieroglyphics  and  part  of  the  evening  in 
finishing  them  off. 

20th.  This  morning  I  call'd  at  Harrison's  and  got 
some  type-metal  and  some  more  at  Durell's.  Met 
Dr.  Hamersley  twice  at  Ryan's  who  is  still  in  danger. 


APPENDIX   B.  129 

I  went  to  Alderman  Furman,  who  audited  myBelle- 
vue  Account.  I  next  took  it  to  Mr.  Hazard,  wrho 
signed  it,  and  then  to  Mr.  Broome,  who  counter- 
signed it ;  then  to  Robt.  Bowne  who  treated  me 
with  much  kindness  and  gave  me  a  check  on  the 
Bank  of  the  United  States,  for  the  sum  of  £126  /8, 
the  compensation  for  my  services  for  79  days,  at  4 
dollars.  In  the  afternoon  I  cast  a  number  of  cuts. 
Went  with  A.  Tiebout  and  bought  two  pair  of 
stockings  of  a  man  in  a  back  house  in  Maiden  Lane. 
A.  Tiebout  spent  part  of  the  evening  with  me. 

December  3d.  This  morning  about  9  the  Fire-bell 
alarm'd  us.  I  ran  out,  and,  when  1  had  enter'd  Smith 
Street,  beheld  the  flames  ascending  from  two  or 
three  houses  near  the  North  Church.  I  was  hurried 
into  a  rank  out  of  sight  of  the  fire ;  here  I  perform'd 
the  duty  of  handing  along  water  for  about  an  hour 
when  the  fire  wTas  nearly  repressed  by  the  exertions 
of  the  people,  7  or  8  houses  being  consumed.  In 
one  of  them  was  Robertson's  Printing  office,  and  the 
fine  wove  paper  was  trampled  into  mush  in  the 
street. 

5th.  This  morning  I  paid  the  Tailor  for  my 
Coat. 

A.  Tiebout  call'd  upon  me  about  10  O'clock  & 
propos'd  a  ride  to  Harlem  where  he  had  business. 


130  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

— I  agreed  to  it,  &  the  next  tiring  was  to  procure  a 
chair.  We  went  to  several  places  and  at  last  got  one 
in  Maiden-Lane. — We  arriv'd  at  Harlem  about  1, 
somewhat  chilled. — After  we  had  eat  some  bread  & 
cheese  and  my  companion  had  put  a  clock  in  order — 
we  drove  home-wards,  whither  we  reach'd  at  half- 
past  3. — I  engrav'd  a  little. — In  the  evening,  I  was 
preparing  to  collect  some  remarks  for  G.  Baker, 
when  Mr.  Mcintosh  came  in  and  we  must  have 
some  Scotch  tunes. — After  his  departure  I  wrote  a 
letter  to  Dr.  Davidson  and  something  for  Mr.  Baker. 
10th.  In  the  evening  I  went  to  Mr.  Bates's,  and 
was  surprised  to  find  poor  Frederick  with  his  head 
shav'd  and  behaving  in  a  very  extravagant  manner. — 
He  appear'd  glad  to  see  me  and  show'd  me  the 
musical  clock. — The  leading  Idea  in  his  mind  is  that 
he  is  the  Almighty  again  appearing  in  the  flesh,  and 
the  reading  of  Richard  Brothers's  Prophecy  has 
been  the  cause  of  this  paroxysm. — He  swears  most 
horridly,  and  curs'd  his  father  in  the  most  dreadful 
terms. — He  gave  me  a  blister  plaster  which  I  applied 
to  his  head. — I  sent  for  my  Violin  to  amuse  him  ;  my 
Brother  soon  appear'd  with  one  and  A.  Tiebout  with 
another. — The  effect  of  the  music  not  being  so  bene- 
ficial as  I  expected  we  left  them  between  8  &  9 
O'clock. 


APPENDIX  B. 


131 


15th.  Evening.  Having  procur'd  tickets  of  Mr. 
Baker,  A.  Tiebout,  my  Brother  and  myself  went  to 
Mrs.  Youles  and  from  thence  accompanied  her,  Miss 
Youle  and  Miss  Davis  to  the  Museum — Miss  Youle 
was  my  companion.  After  strolling  about  and  feast- 
ing our  eyes  &  ears  we  went  to  my  Father's,  here 
our  company  sat  'till  near  10  when  we  attended  them 
home. — 


DIAKY  FOR  1796. 


January  1st.  This  first  day  of  the  new-year 
pass'd  on  very  smoothly  with  me. — My  Mother's 
spirits  are  somewhat  depress'd  by  the  news  of 
my   Grand-mother's  illness. 

In  the  afternoon  I  went  with  my  Brother  to  visit 
some  of  our  acquaintances.  In  the  first  place  we 
call'd  and  enquir'd  for  Mr.  Sam.  Johnson,  Silver- 
smith, an  old  friend  of  my  Father's ;  he  was  very  ill. 
— We  next  stopp'd  at  Rich.  Davis's  and  ate  a  cake  : 
then  at  Rob.  Davis. — We  extended  our  walk  towards 
the  Ship  yards.  In  our  way  back  my  Brother  stepp'd 
into  Dr.  Young's. — 

Evening.  Mrs.  Bailey's  wench  came  to  me  to  get 
a  puke  of  "  Hippe  gander"  (Ipecacuanha)  for  Miss 
Charlotte — I  got  one  at  the  Apothecary's  and  took 
down  to  her. — 

8th.  At  5  O'clock  I  attended  Dr.  Rogers's  Lec- 
ture, after  which  I  went  to  Mr.  Van  Vleck's  where 
my  Mother   &  John  had   gone. — Here  I  pass'd  a 


APPENDIX    B  133 

very  agreeable  evening.  Mr.  Herttell  <fe  his  wife 
were  there,  and  my  old  play-mate  Benj.  Egbert 
came  in. — Miss  Van  Vleck  play'd  on  the  Harpsi- 
chord and  her  Father  accompanied  it  with  the 
Violin. — 

I  came  home  with  Mamma  before  9.  Mr  Reid  had 
brought  me  .£40  on  account  for  the  cuts  of  the 
Hieroglyphic  Bible.* — 

9th.  Much  gratified  with  last  night's  company  &, 
entertainment — it  was  rational  and  exhibited  a 
picture  of  domestic  happiness. 

11th.  Mrs.  Bailey  wonder'd  that  "Mamma  kept 
my  brother  &  me  cheeping  about  her  instead  of 
letting  us  stir  abroad,  and  make  money  as  Mr.  Win- 
stanley  does  who  was  paid  150  dollars  for  a  paint- 
ing, then  standing  on  the  mantel  piece." — I  endeav- 
our'd  to  convince  the  good  woman  that  making 
money  was  not  the  sole  object. — 

15th.  Employ 'd  the  most  of  the  day  in  studying 
and  collecting  materials  on  Mania  which  I  propose 
to  make  the  subject  of  my  Inaugural  Dissertation. — 

Mr.  Oram  call'd  on  me  to  get  a  small  engraving 
done. — 


*  This  was  a  Child's  Bible,    illustrated    with   many   cuts. 
The  name  was  a  common  one  then. 


134  ALEXANDER  ANDERSON,  M.D. 

21st.  I  finish 'd  the  cut  for  Forinan  to-day.  At- 
tended Hamersley's  Lecture. — 

In  the  evening,  I  went  out  almost  purposely  to 
avoid  company ;  and  after  attending  to  my  two 
patients,  trudg'd  off  to  Dr.  Young's  where  I  found 
my  brother. — Here  we  sat  awhile. — In  my  way 
home  I  stopp'd  at  a  Book  Auction. — At  home  I 
found  myself  in  company  with  A.  Tiebout,  the  two 
Misses  Minshulls  and  Miss  Polly  Youle. — We  en- 
deavour'd  to  entertain  them  with  music.  I  attended 
Miss  P.  Minshull  to  Mrs.  Youle's — found  her  a  very 
sprightly,  agreeable,  lively  girl. — 

28th.  I  put  the  cuts  for  Babcock  on  board  a  New 
Haven  vessel. — Finish'd  4  more  of  another  book. — 

In  the  evening  we  had  company.  T.  Herttell  and 
his  wife,  Mrs.  &  Miss  Youle,  A.  Tiebout  &  J.  Fer- 
guson. Some  vocal  music  being  thought  necessary,  a 
song  was  exacted  from  each. — After  numerous  objec- 
tions <fc  attempts  to  evade  it,  I  grumbled  out  some 
pieces  of  songs  to  the  seeming  amusement  of  the 
company.  The  Flageolet  was  likewise  call'd  for  <fc 
I  made  out  a  few  tunes  with  the  aid  of  the  violins. — 
Upon  the  whole  the  time  was  spent  agreeably  & 
innocently. 

February  5th.  To-day  Mrs.  Hall,  one  of  the  Belle- 
vue  nurses  call'd  upon  me  for  another  Certificate  of 


APPENDIX   B.  137 

her  service  there. — Her  appearance  bespoke  poverty 
and  her  breath  betray 'd  her  attachment  to  the  bottle 
— Add  these  together  and  what  is  the  result  but 
misery  &  disease. 

25th.  In  the  afternoon  I  sat  down  and  finish'd 
engraving  Stanford's  Elephant  before  I  rose. — 

Squire  Pye  drank  tea  with  us. — This  old  man  (72 
years)  did  not  hesitate  to  carry  a  bag  of  potatoes 
along  the  street.  He  seem'd  to  glory  in  this,  for  he 
says  "he  has  pride  enough  to  restrain  him  from 
doing  a  mean  action  and  that  is  enough." 

March  9th.  There  has  been  a  considerable  stir 
among  the  Mob-ility  about  the  affair  of  Kettletas 
who  was  this  day  committed  to  Jail  for  a  publica- 
tion in  the  Argus. — They  would  not  suffer  him  to 
walk  but  carried  him  there  in  a  chair. — A  carriage 
was  brought  before  the  City-Hall  with  the  intention 
of  drawing  home  two  of  the  Members  of  Assembly 
who  had  advocated  his  cause. — 

As  I  was  going  down  Broad- way  I  met  the  Gov- 
ernor dress'd  in  his  regimentals  and  sword  at  his 
side,  who  enquir'd  if  it  was  true  that  the  people  had 
gather'd  round  the  Mayor's  house. — This  not  being 
the  case  he  went  to  the  City  Hall  to  learn  the  state 
of  matters. — 

17th.  I  call'd   at   Mr.  Baker's,  and  there  a  very 


138  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

pleasing  sight  attracted  my  notice — his  four  chil- 
dren sitting  round  the  fire  at  their  needlework  and 
books.  Not  far  off  was  their  mother  sewing;  and 
attending  the  baby. — 

30th.  Whatever  cause  it  may  be  owing  to  I  have 
been  uncommonly  harrass'd  with  disagreeable  feel- 
ings.— The  death  of  Mr.  A.  and  the  dangerous  con- 
dition of  Gowdie  perhaps  contributed  to  excite  this 
state  of  mind.  If  to  this  is  added  the  influence  of 
the  weather  and  the  want  of  a  steady  employment, 
I  believe  I  shall  have  enumerated  the  circumstances 
which  have,  for  this  day,  made  life  rather  burden- 
some to  me. — 

April  1st.  A  very  pleasant  day. — 

I  spent  part  of  the  forenoon  with  Saltonstall,  con- 
certing measures  for  our  examinations.— 

I  sent  to  Dr.  Mitch  ill's  room  half  a  gallon  of  wine 
from  Huggett's. — 

I  applied  myself  closely  to  nothing  to-day,  with 
the  hope  of  being  better  prepar'd  for  answering  the 
questions. 

Between  3  and  4  in  the  afternoon  I  went  to  the 
College  to  await  my  ordeal,  but  was  oblig'd  to 
run  back  for  my  Dissertation  which  I  forgot  to  bring 
along.  None  but  Drs.  Post,  Hamersley  and  Hosack 
met ;  but  these  were   sufficient   to  employ  me  for 


APPENDIX   B.  139 

near  an  hour. — Saltonstall  was  next  call'd  down. 
After  his  examination  we  receiv'd  permission  to 
print  the  Dissertations. — 

Another  task  was  then  impos'd. — We  each  re- 
ceived an  Aphorism  of  Hippocrates  to  comment 
upon,  and  a  question  to  be  answer'd  in  writing. — 

The  Question  was  this : 

"  What  changes  does  the  blood  undergo  in  passing 
thro'  the  lungs." — 

The  Aphorism  was  the  following : 

"  In  omni  morbo  mente  valere,  et  bene  se  habere 
ad  ea  qua  afferuntur,  bonum  est :  contrarium  vero 
malum."     Hipp.  Aph.  Sect.  2.  Aph.  33. 

7th.  I  met  Dr.  Hosack  in  the  street,  who  informed 
me  of  the  intended  establishment  of  a  Botanical 
Garden. — Enquir'd  if  Dr.  Anderson,*  at  St.  Vincent, 
was  my  uncle,  and  requested  me  to  interest  myself 
in  procuring  plants  from  him. — 

I  sat  awhile  with  Saltonstall. 

I  began  to  comment  on  the  Aphorism. — 

12th.  I  call'd  at  Dr.  Hamersley's  and  got  one  of 
the  Histories  of  Diseases,  in  order  to  comment  upon 
it ;  this  being  the  next  step  in  the  graduation  busi- 
ness. 

*  He  visited  this  uncle  in  1799, 


140  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

18th.  After  attending  to  what  business  I  had  to 
do,  I  proposed  to  A.  Tiebout  a  walk  in  the  Jersey. 
This  was  agreed  to,  and  accordingly  we  set  off  with 
my  Brother  about  11  O'clock,  and  had  a  pleasant 
passage  to  Paules  Hook.* — Our  spirits  began  to  rise 
as  we  proceeded,  and  cheerfulness  kept  us  company 
all  the  way. — We  cross'd  Hackinsack  river  and 
walk'd  a  considerable  distance  along  the  causeway, 
but  feeling  the  gnawings  of  hunger  and  despairing 
of  reaching  Newark  in  time,  we  turn'd  about  and 
stopp'd  at  the  bridge,  where  we  procur'd  a  meal  of 
bread,  butter  and  cheese. — We  return'd  to  Paules 
Hook,  found  a  boat  ready  to  sail,  and  about  5  O'clock 
landed  safe  at  the  wharf. — I  immediately  went  to 
see  the  old  negro  patient. 

21st.  This  day  completes  my  21st  year. — 
This  morning  I  receiv'd  the  remainder  of  my  Dis- 
sertations from  Swords's,  and  paid  them  £9.16. — I 
went  with  A.  Tiebout  to  see  the  Elephant  which 
has  been  lately  from  India.  She  is  only  2  years  old, 
but  about  the  size  of  a  bullock  and  very  plump. — 


*  Paules  Hook,  Paulus  Hook,  Paul's  Hook,  or  Pawles  Hook, 
was  the  same  place  now  known  as  Jersey  City,  which  is  a  quite 
recent  name.  Hook  is  Dutch  for  corner  ;  Kinderhook,  chil- 
dren's corner  ;  hookey,  playing  truant,  is  literally  cornering 
or  hiding  in  a  corner. 


APPENDIX   B.  141 

The  sagacity  of  the  animal  was  astonishing,  and  her 
trunk  a  great  curiosity  ;  with  this  she  examin'd  us 
carefully  and  search'd  our  pockets  fur  something 
eatable. — 

92d.  My  patients  are  now  reduced  to  the  number 
four. 

In  the  afternoon  my  Brother  and  I  went  out  with 
an  intention  of  having  a  sail  to  Governor's  Island  ; 
but  not  being  able  to  get  a  passage,  we  walk'd  up 
the  New-road  and  stopp'd  at  a  house  where  we 
drank  a  bottle  of  mead. — 

28th.  This  morning  I  took  a  walk  with  my 
Brother  near  Lispenard's  and  enjoyed  the  delightful 
landscape  enliven'd  by  the  late  refreshing  shower 
and  the  beams  of  the  rising  sun. — 

After  attending  to  my  few  patients  I  crossed  the 
ferry*  to  Brooklyn  and  saw  my  Aunt  &  Cousin 
Katy. — I  ate  a  little  bread  &  butter  and  return'd 
home  to  dinner. 

29th.  Mr.  Herttell  sent  requesting  me  to  come  and 
draw  his  deceased  wife's  likeness  ;  I  went  and  found 


*  The  ferries  were  then  very  slow  and  uncomfortable,  par- 
ticularly in  winter.  Horse  boats  began  to  be  used  about  this 
time,  or  boats  in  which  horses,  by  stepping  on  a  treadmill, 
gave  motion  to  machinery  which  drove  the  vessel  forward. 
Brooklyn  at  this  time  had  only  a  few  hundred  inhabitants, 


142  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

several  of  the  relations  and  neighbours  collected  in 
the  room  where  she  was  laid  out. — I  began  to  sketch 
the  features  of  the  corpse,  although  in  a  very  dis- 
advantageous position  for  that  purpose. — The  old 
man  entered  the  room,  and  his  sobs  burst  forth  as 
he  stoop'd  over  the  head  of  the  bed  and  view'd  the 
original. — The  drawing  I  took  with  me  in  order  to 
finish  it. — 

May  11th.  "Blessed  are  the  pure  in  heart,  for 
they  shall  see  God."  How  impolitic  is  it  then  to  de- 
file the  soul  for  a  little  sordid  gain  or  for  the  sake  of 
exciting  a  short-lived  pleasure. 

12th.  This  being  the  Anniversary  of  Tammany, 
an  oration  was  deliver'd  by  Mr.  Wortman,  in  the 
Old  Presbyterian  Church. — I  attended  and  heard  it. 
It  might  be  reckon'd  an  excellent  composition,  but 
was  almost  spoilt  by  the  ungraceful  gestures  of  the 
orator. — Just  as  the  Society  enter'd  the  church  a 
violent  storm  of  hail  began. — 

May  13th.  A.  Tiebout  brought  me  a  most  excel- 
lent medicine;  viz.  125  dollars  (which  I  had  lent 
him)  and  the  interest,  amounting  to  5  dollars. 

About  twelve  O'clock  I  took  my  trunk  and  went 
down  to  Mr.  Bailey's. — Augustus  got  ready  and  we 
trudg'd  down  to  the  boat  near  the  Albany  pier. 
Here  we  met  with   a  disappointment,  for  the   boat 


APPENDIX   B.  143 

was  not  to  sail  'till  high  tide.  My  fellow  traveller 
began  to  swear  &  splutter. — I  prevail'd  upon  him 
to  go  home  with  me  and  eat  some  bread  and  cheese. 
— Between  3  &  4  we  set  sail,  and,  after  narrowly 
escaping  being  run  down  by  a  vessel  and  breaking 
an  Indiaman's  windows,  we  glided  along  very  pleas- 
antly. When  we  came  in  sight  of  the  lighthouse, 
the  wind  died  away  and  we  must  content  ourselves 
with  sleeping  on  board  supperless. — A.  B.  found 
means  to  hold  a  conversation  with  almost  everyone 
on  board. — He  began  to  show  us  a  specimen  of  his 
dancing  abilities  and  perform'd  a  number  of 
manoeuvres  while  I  whistled  for  him. — 

14th.  I  got  a  nap  last  night,  upon  a  bed  of  down 
— right  hard  wood. — 

About  7  this  morning  we  landed  at  South  Am- 
boy. — Breakfasted  at  the  Stage-house,  where  we  met 
with  very  good  treatment,  and  then  seated  ourselves 
in  the  Stage,  to  the  number  of  14  or  15. — Mr.  Ellis, 
who  keeps  the  Porter  House — from  London  ;  Corre 
and  his  four  children  going  to  make  ice-cream  in 
Philadelphia  ;  a  fat  old  Quaker ;  two  Scotch  travel- 
ling traders  ;  a  Flat-bush  scholar ;  an  old  Roman 
Catholic  Irish  lady,  <fcc. — With  these  we  jogged  on 
very  cheerily,  while  A.  B»  was  incessantly  talking 
or  singing. — When  some  doses  of  liquor  had  rais'd 


144  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

the  Porter  House  keeper  to  the  due  pitch,  he 
entered  into  an  argument  with  the  old  lady  on 
Popery  &  Priestcraft. — Next  turn'd  his  battery 
against  the  Quaker  and  gave  him  several  emphatic 
oaths. — The  Quaker  was  to  be  set  down  on  the 
road, — but  it  seems  he  was  going  off  without  pay- 
ing.— This  furnish'd  a  matter  of  triumph  for  the 
rest  of  our  gentry  and  particularly  his  opponent. — 
Before  dark  we  arriv'd  at  Burlington  and  din'd  or 
rather  supp'd  at  the  Stage-house. — After  this  we 
stepp'd  on  board  a  boat  and  sail'd  gently  down  the 
Delaware. 

15th.  Sunday.  I  had  another  wooden  nap  last 
night.  On  waking  early  this  morning  I  found  my- 
self along  side  of  a  wharf  in  Philadelphia. — Mr. 
Bailey  and  I  went  ashore  and  stroll'd  about  the 
streets. — Met  three  suspicious-looking  fellows  who 
enquir'd  what  o'clock  it  was. — My  companion 
snubb'd  them  up  very  shortly  and  we  went  on. 
We  went  on  board  again  and  slept  'till  daylight. — 
Left  our  baggage  at  one  Redmond's,  an  acquaint- 
ance of  B.'s,  and  went  in  search  of  a  lodging.  After 
a  Ions;  and  fruitless  search  we  return'd  to  Red- 
mond's  and  breakfasted. — We  were  very  well 
treated  &  were  not  suffer'd  to  pay,  although  the 
house  was  a  tavern. — We  took  another  walk. — At 


King  Lear,  engraved  by  Dr.  Anderson  for  au  edition  of  Shakespeare,  published 
by  Messrs.  Cooledge  &  Brother. 


APPENDIX   B.  147 

last  we  found  a  lodging  in  North  Fourth  street,  at 
Ellist's. 

16th.  Tolerably  recruited  by  a  good  night's  rest. 

After  breakfast,  he  (A.  B.)  went  out,  and  I  was 
in  hopes  that  I  should  have  at  least  half  the  day  to 
myself. — But  whom  should  I  meet  in  a  short  time 
after  but  my  gentleman,  driving  along  Front  St. — 
He  turn'd  about  and  kept  me  company. — We  saw 
the  ship-yards,  &c. — Stopp'd  in  at  a  Mead-house  and 
drank  some  mead. 

Visited  Peale's  Museum  in  the  State-house  yard. 
Went  to  the  Congress-room  and  listen'd  awhile. — 
We  next  viewed  the  Exhibition  of  Painting  and 
Sculpture  (in  High  St.),  which  was  highly  gratify- 
ing.— Return'd  to  our  lodgings,  and  then  set  off  to 
one  Billington's,  where  A.  B.  had  invited  me  to 
dine. — We  were  very  politely  treated  at  this  house 
and  entertain'd  with  Miss  Billington's  music. — Here 
again  I  was  in  pain  for  my  companion.  His  con- 
versation and  behaviour  were  absurd.  Just  after 
dinner  he  propos'd  a  walk  to  Gray's  Gardens.  We 
arriv'd  there  in  less  than  an  hour. — I  was  delighted 
with  the  romantic  beauty  of  this  seat. — We  got  a 
glass  of  sangaree  &  stroll'd  over  the  gardens. — 

17th.  I  rose  at  6  this  morning  and  was  not  a 
little  pleased  to  hear  my  fellow-traveller  say  that 


148  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

he  was  just  going  off  for  New  York.  I  took  a  walk 
after  breakfast  to  enquire  for  the  Baltimore  Packet 
Boats. — Went  to  Mr.  Savage's  Columbian  Gallery, 
and  spent  about  an  hour  very  agreeably  in  viewing 
the  Prints  <fc  Paintings. — Next  I  call'd  upon  Mr. 
Cummings,*  who  inform'd  me  of  the  Medical  Com- 
mencement.— I  found  out  the  College  and  arriv'd 
in  time  to  hear  the  examination  of  7  graduates,  and 
saw  the  Degrees  conferr'd. — The  Examiners  were 
Drs.  Rush,  Wistar,  Kuhn  &,  Woodhouse. 

I  met  two  real  Chinese  in  the  street. 

18th.  This  morning  I  settled  with  my  landlord 
and  put  my  baggage  on  board  a  Newcastle  packet. 
Went  to  the  State-house  and  view'd  the  Senate 
Chamber. — Sat  awhile  in  the  Gallery  of  the  Lower- 
House  and  look'd  over  a  newspaper  which  I  had 
got  at  Claypoole's. — 

Walk'd  about  the  city  'till  near  12,  when  I  went 
to  Biggs's  and  sat  awhile. — A  thought  struck  me 
that  the  vessel  might  be  going  off.  I  hurried  down 
to  the  wharf  and  actually  beheld  it  under  way  in 
the  stream — 1  call'd  to  a  sailor  who  was  rowing  a 
little  boat  &  prevail'd  on  him  to  set  me  on  board. — 
Gave  him  1/6. 

*  Ho  carried  a  letter  of  introduction  to  Mr.  Cummings  from 
11.  Davis. 


APPENDIX   B.  149 

The  morning  was  rainy,  but  it  soon  clear'd  up  and 
we  had  a  pretty  favourable  breeze. — The  view  of 
the  country  on  each  side  the  Delaware  was  delight- 
ful.— 

In  the  afternoon  the  Capt.  brought  to  the  vessel 
at  Marcus  Hook,  because  the  wind  had  shifted ;  or 
rather  because  he  had  relations  in  the  village  who 
would  get  the  custom  of  the  passengers.  I  went 
to  another  house  and  din'd  upon  good  bread  &  but- 
ter. The  remainder  of  the  afternoon  I  spent  in 
walking  about  and  viewing  the  country. — 

At  dark  I  went  to  bed  and  slept  'till  1 1 ,  when  I 
found  the  vessel  under  way. — Some  of  the  passen- 
gers had  been  playing  cards  and  continued  it  'till 
day-light. — -We  had  on  board  a  Frenchman  and  a 
Dutch  Jew  who  were  bantering  each  other  about 
Bacon  and  Frogs. — The  Jew,  at  last,  exasperated 
every  one  on  board  by  declaring  that  he  had  lost  13 
dollars.     The  Capt.  threaten'd  to  prosecute  him. — 

19th.  Before  day  we  arrived  at  New-Castle. 
Went  to  the  Stage-house  and  were  very  ill  used,  for 
they  refused  to  give  us  anything  to  eat  or  drink  be- 
fore day-light. — We  went  to  another  house  and  got 
breakfast. — 

Almost  every  occurrence  contributed  to  render 
this  day  disagreeable  to  me. — At  sunrise  the  appear- 


150  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

ance  of  the  sky  was  beautiful,  but  a  rainbow  in  the 
west  foreboded  the  rain  that  soon  succeeded. — 

About  5  O'clock  we  stepp'd  into  the  Stage-coach, 
and  between  8  &  9  reach'd  French-town,  a  distance 
of  about  18  miles. — 

I  caught  cold  yesterday  and  had  recourse  to  But- 
termilk and  cold  water;  but  this  was  not  sufficient 
to  remove  it. — The  jolting  of  the  stage  brought  on  a 
violent  headache,  and  the  breakfast  which  I  ate  at 
French-town  perhaps  increas'd  it. — The  Baltimore 
Packet  lay  off  at  some  distance,  and  we  were  row'd 
to  her  in  the  rain.  This  was  by  no  means  in  my 
favour ;  but  the  worst  is  to  come. — As  we  were 
scudding  under  a  heavy  gale,  and  I  lay  in  a  berth,  I 
happen'd  to  draw  back  the  sash  of  one  of  the  port 
windows.  The  vessel  suddenly  heeled  and  the 
water  came  pouring  into  my  bosom,  so  that  I  was 
completely  drenched  before  the  sash  could  be  shut. — 
A  man  in  the  berth  below  me  sprung  out  of  bed  as 
soon  as  I  did,  for  the  water  had  run  thro'  and  serv'd 
him  in  the  same  way. — This,  to  be  sure,  gave  rise  to 
some  mirth,  but  it  was  a  poor  plaster  for  me. — 

About  8  in  the  evening  we  landed  at  Bowler's 
wharf  in  Baltimore,  having  run  70  miles  in  11  hours, 
(on  the  Chesapeake). — 

According  to  the  Captain's  direction  I  went  with 


APPENDIX   B.  151 

two  young  men  to  one  Mrs.  Edwards's  for  lodging. — 
The  appearance  of  the  house  by  no  means  pleas'd 
me. — In  the  back  room  was  a  billiard  table.  The 
Captain  soon  came  in,  and  we  all  drank  tea  with  the 
landlady,  who  seem'd  very  desirous  of  showing  to 
advantage  the  little  beauty  which  she  possess'd. 

Two  of  us  were  shown  to  a  small  room  in  which 
were  cramm'd  three  beds ;  but  we  were  obliged  to 
stow  ourselves  into  one,  while  the  other  two  were 
to  be  occupied  by — we  knew  not  whom — perhaps 
pick-pockets  or  highwaymen.  I  grumbled,  and  my 
bed-fellow  curs'd  the  place  up  hill  and  dotvn  dale. 

20th.  I  have  suffer'd  much  to-day.  It  cannot 
therefore  be  expected  that  I  have  much  to  say  on 
any  other  subject  than  my  complaints. 

I  rose  at  5  this  morning,  and,  happening  to  look 
in  a  glass,  found  my  cheek  so  swell'd  that  I  bore  a 
great  resemblance  to  a  monkey  on  one  side  of  my 
face. — Having  paid  for  my  entertainment,  I  took  a 
walk  and  found  out  an  Apothecary  of  whom  I  got 
some  volatile  liniment. — Keturn'd  to  the  Packet-boat, 
and  anointed  my  cheek  with  it. — This  afforded  a 
temporary  relief. — I  went  to  another  shop  and  got  a 
plaster,  which  I  clapp'd  on,  and  then  went  to  look 
for  lodgings. — I  found  out  a  Mrs.  Lavely,  an  old 
Quaker-looking  body,  and  engaged  with  her. 


152  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

After  breakfast  I  walk'd  out,  and  in  the  vicinity 
of  the  city  pick'd  up  some  minerals.  I  went  to  a 
third  Apothecary  and  bought  a  dose  of  Jalap  and 
Nitre  which  I  took  immediately. — I  soon  experienced 
the  good  effects  of  its  operation,  and,  after  I  had 
drunk  some  tea,  felt  the  truth  of  the  observation 
that  Pleasure  consists  chiefly  in  relief  from  pain. — 
How  insipid  would  Life  be  without  intervals  of  pain, 
care,  anxiety  and  disappointment ! 

21st.  This  is  a  place  of  great  business  ; — so  busy 
are  the  people  that  they  have  not  yet  had  time  to 
put  up  at  the  corners  the  names  of  the  streets.  The 
town  is  not  yet  incorporated,  although  it  has  often 
been  propos'd  in  the  Assembly — so  great  is  the  spirit 
of  Democracy  which  reigns  here. — 

I  spent  most  of  the  forenoon  in  walking  about  the 
town.  From  a  bank  opposite  the  bay  I  collected 
some  specimens  of  iron  ore  which  appears  to  form  a 
stratum  at  the  depth  of  a  foot  or  two  under  the 
town  and  all  the  adjacent  country.  Contiguous  to  it 
are  beds  of  red  ochre  in  many  places. 

After  dinner  I  took  a  walk  with  a  young  man 
who  lodges  at  the  same  house  with  me,  and  view'd 
the  works  and  machinery  of  a  mill.  I  spent  the  re- 
mainder of  the  afternoon  in  walking  about.  Fol- 
low'cl  the  course  of  a  stream  call'd  Joneds  Falls, 


APPENDIX    B.  155 

which  turns  several  mills,  and  whose  borders,  grac'd 
with  trees,  form  some  enchanting  scenes. — 

2 2d.  Sunday.  I  paid  off  my  old  landlady  this 
morning  and  put  my  baggage  on  board  the  same 
boat  in  which  I  came,  to  return  to  Philadelphia. 
At  9  we  set  sail  from  Baltimore  with  a  fair  wind. — 
Several  jokes  were  thrown  out  about  the  Capt.  and 
the  handsome  widow,  his  landlady. — 

I  sav'd  the  expense  of  a  dinner,  which  would  have 
been  a  dollar,  by  a  fit  of  sea-sickness  coming  on  me 
very  seasonably  for  the  good  of  my  purse  by  the 
mortification  of  my  body. — Among  the  passengers 
was  a  young  lady  of  pleasure,  (if  such  an  abuse  of 
words  may  be  allowed). — She  was  pale  and  sickly, 
but  struck  the  fancy  of  the  Capt.  who  was  very 
familiar  with  her. — 

At  6  we  arriv'd  at  French-town,  and  after  getting 
some  bread  and  butter  stepp'd  into  the  stage. — At 
this  time  of  the  day  the  ride  was  very  pleasant. — 
There  were  three  sisters  in  the  stage,  rough  country 
girls  deck'd  off  with  their  best  clothes.  A  young 
Philadelphia  Quaker,  who  sat  near  me,  soon  had 
his  arm  round  one  of  them  and  was  bussing  her 
with  a  very  good-will  during  the  journey. — A 
fellow  from  somewhere  back  in  the  woods  went 
through  the  same  ceremony  with   another,  and    a 


156  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

young  Irishman  was  chattering  nonsense  with  the 
third. 

At  9  we  reach'd  New-Castle,  and  some  of  us  pro- 
cur'd  supper  and  very  good  lodging  at  a  small  tavern 
instead  of  the  Stage-house. — 

23d.  The  young  Irishman,  my  bed-fellow,  inform'd 
me  that  I  had  been  "  talking  Latin  and  the  devil  & 
all,"  in  my  sleep,  and  had  started  up  once  or  twice. — 

We  set  sail  about  8  O'clock  with  a  very  favour-, 
able  wind,  and  at  12  arrived  at  the  wharf  in  Phila- 
delphia.— I  went  to  my  old  lodgings,  and  din'd. 

24th.  I  was  call'd  up  this  morning  at  2  O'clock 
to  take  my  seat  in  the  stage.  I  paid  6  dollars  and 
gave  something  to  the  man  who  call'd  me  up,  and 
then  got  into  the  stage-wagon,  where  I  found  a 
young  man.  The  morning  was  rainy  and  cold.  The 
rain  clear'd  off  later,  however,  and  the  country  ap- 
pear'd  to  great  advantage.  Every  turn  presented 
us  with  a  succession  of  charming  landscapes. 

We  din'd  at  New  Brunswick,  and  here  we  were 
join'd  by  two  gentlemen  and  a  very  handsome  young 
lady. — She  affected  to  be  mightily  alarm'd  at  one  of 
the  horses,  who  was  somewhat  unruly,  and  must 
needs  turn  about  and  sit  with  her  back  to  them. — 

Arrived  at  Paules  Hook  about  6  O'clock. — Had  a 
tedious  passage  across  the  river  &  once  more  enter'd 


APPENDIX   B.  157 

New- York. — Found  my  Father's  family  all  in 
health. 

June  4th.  I  receiv'd  a  letter  from  Mr.  Van  Zandt, 
containing  an  account  of  the  state  of  his  child,  to- 
gether with  a  request  that  I  would  see  it. — Went  to 
Titus's  and  desir'd  him  to  furnish  me  with  a  horse. — 
1  got  one  which  gave  me  such  a  rattling  as  I  have 
not  had  in  a  long  time — for  it  seems  that  he  went 
the  faster  the  more  he  was  held  in. — So  expeditious 
was  he  that  my  journey  of  5  miles  and  back  again 
was  perform'd  in  about  an  hour ;  but  not  without 
some  risque  of  running  over  people  in  the  street  and 
the  hazard  of  "  spilling  me  off"  while  driving  along 
like  Johnny  Gilpin. 

14th.  I  began  to  enter  upon  my  new  mode  of  life, 
which  is  the  following : — I  make  my  home  at  my 
rooms,*  and  sleep  there ;  but  eat  at  my  Father's. — 

Got  a  slate  and  fix'd  up  in  my  entry,  &,  nail'd  up 
my  sign,  and  perform'd  some  other  important  opera- 
tions. " 

20th.  I  had  agreed  to  make  one  of  a  party  to  view 
the  magic  lanthorn  in  the  evening. — Went  to  Bai- 
ley's where  I  found  my  Mother,  and  after  tea  at- 
tended Miss  Harriet  to  the  Museum  with  the  rest. — 

*  31  Liberty  Street,  for  which  he  paid  ,£30  rent. 


158  ALEXANDEK   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

Here  we  heard  some  music  and  then  proceeded  to  the 
Menagerie  and  seated  ourselves  in  Mr.  Baker's*  little 
observatory. — Saw  the  exhibitions  of  the  magic 
lanthorn. — Had  mead  and  cakes,  and  upon  the 
whole  pass'd  the  time  very  agreeably. 

23d.  In  my  visit  to  the  poor  consumptive  woman,f 
a   group   of    humiliating    circumstances    presented 


*  Gardiner  Baker  was  then  the  keeper  of  the  curiosities  of 
the  Tammany  Society.  This  society  was  organized  on  the 
12th  of  May,  1789,  about  two  weeks  after  General  Washing- 
ton had  taken  the  oath  of  office  as  President  of  the  United 
States.  The  first  Sachem  was  William  Mooney,  and  Gardiner 
Baker  was  Wiskinskie,  or  doorkeeper.  The  next  year  it 
founded  a  museum  with  somewhat  the  same  objects  in  view 
which  the  Historical  Society  had  later.  ' '  A  room  was  granted 
for  its  use  in  the  City  Hall"  (then  at  the  corner  of  Nassau  and 
Wall  streets,  where  the  Sub-Treasury  is  now),  "  and  Gardiner 
Baker  was  appointed  to  take  charge  of  the  collection.  In 
1794  it  was  removed  to  a  brick  building  standing  directly  in 
the  middle  of  the  street  at  the  intersection  of  Broad  and  Pearl 
streets,  called  the  Exchange.  The  lower  part  was  used  as  a 
market,  but  the  upper  part,  being  light  and  airy,  was  well 
calculated  for  displaying  the  many  curiosities  which  now  by 
the  indefatigable  exertions  of  Mr.  Baker  had.  been  collected. 
He  had  taken  so  much  pains  and  incurred  so  much  expense  in 
getting  it  up  that  he  could,  with  good  reason,  make  a  claim 
upon  it.  It  was  therefore  given  up  to  him,  upon  condition 
that  it  should  be  forever  known  as  the  Tammany  Museum,  in 
honor  of  its  founders,  and  that  each  member  of  the  Society 
and  his  family  should  have  free  access  to  it.  This  museum, 
after  the  death  of  Baker,  was  sold  to  Mr.  W.  J.  Waldron,  and 
after  passing  through  various  hands  formed  the  foundation  of 
what  was  afterwards  called  Scudder's  Museum,  in  Chatham 
street." — R.  G.  Horton,  in  Valentine's  Manual  for  1865, 
p.  860. 

f  He  had  seen  her  the  previous  day. 


APPENDIX   B.  159 

themselves  to  me. — The  sick  woman  was  struggling 
against  the  disease  and  the  sad  news  of  her  son's 
death. — The  old  house,  built  in  the  ancient  Dutch 
style,  was  shattered  and  disjoin'd  in  several  places, 
and  seem'd  ready  to  fall  upon  its  wretched  tenant. — 
This  might  appear  to  be  the  summit  of  human 
misery. — -Yet,  how  unable  are  we  to  measure  good 
&  evil  by  the  external  appearances  of  things ! — The 
woman  appears  composed,  and  looks  forward  with 
serenity  to  death. — 

July  2d.  The  Capt*  call'd  on  me,  agreeably  to  his 
promise  and  settled  my  bill,  <£.").  11,  for  attendance  on 
6  of  his  hands.  The  attendance  upon  the  Hospital 
/Shijj,  as  the  Captain  calls  her,  was  a  profitable  job 
for  me.  My  success  in  the  treatment  of  the  sick 
was  greater  than  I  could  expect. 

4th.  Anniversary  of  American  Independence. 

About  10  O'clock  I  went  to  Mr.  Mabie's  in  Pearl 
Street,  and  from  his  windows  had  a  view  of  the  pro- 
cession. Mr.  Mabie  entertained  the  company  very 
genteelly  and  had  provided  a  variety  of  refresh- 
ments. 

I  exerted  myself  to  get  my  business  done  in  order 
that  I  might  join  in  the  plan  of  recreation  which  our 

*  Capt.  Soper  of  the  ship  Amy. 


160         ALEXANDER  ANDERSON,  M.D. 

Family  &  A.  Tiebout  were  to  be  engaged  in. — This 
was  the  plan. — We  were  to  take  a  coach  ride  to 
Gray's,  spend  the  afternoon  there  and  make  our- 
selves as  happy  as  possible. — These  objects  we  all 
accomplish'd  ;  at  least  I  can  speak  for  myself. — A. 
Tiebout,  my  brother  and  I  took  a  walk  to  a  house 
of  Entertainment  a  little  farther  up  the  Greenwich 
road,  and  got  some  lemonade. — We  went  to  a 
meadow  adjacent  and  diverted  ourselves  with  tum- 
bling and  jumping  'till  we  were  pretty  well  exer- 
cis'd  and  had  acquired  an  appetite.  Return'd  to 
Gray's  &  took  coffee. 

The  coachman  was  to  return  at  6 ;  but  in  this  he 
disappointed  us.  A.  Tiebout  and  I  walk'd  on;  the 
rest  of  the  company  met  the  carriage  by  the  way. 
At  home  I  found  my  mother  in  high  spirits  and 
much  pleas'd  with  our  entertainment. 

11th.  The  afternoon  pass'd  pretty  agreeably  be- 
twixt business  and  study. — In  the  evening  A.  Tie- 
bout call'd  on  me,  and  we  went  to  Delacroix's  Ice- 
house— a  place  of  Entertainment  lately  fitted  up — 
ate  some  ice  cream,  and  then  took  a  walk  on  the 
Battery. 

25th.  I  have  experienced  the  hurtful  effects  of  too 
much  sleep,  having  lain  till  near  6  for  several  morn- 
ings past ;  and  have  uniformly  found  an  uncommon 


APPENDIX   P.  163 

languor  and  disagreeable  affection  of  the  Lead  re- 
maining through  the  day. 

August  2d.  A.  Tiebout  and  I  have  started  some 
notions  about  flying,  which  from  several  considera- 
tions appears  practicable  by  man. — T.  is  to  make 
some  machinery  for  an  experiment. 

4th.  I  found  three  others  of  my  patients  in  an  un- 
favourable situation. — I  began  to  feel  like  a  mariner 
benighted  among  shoals  &  quicksands. — One  of  Mrs. 
Harris's  friends  proposed  sending  for  another  Phy- 
sician.— I  requested  that  she  would  first  try  the  ap- 
plication of  a  blister  plaster  over  her  stomach.  She 
did,  and  in  a  short  time  the  pain  was  entirely  re- 
moved. In  the  evening  I  saw  the  three  other  pa- 
tients again,  and  had  reason  to  think  I  could  avoid 
the  shoals  &  quicksands,  with  the  blessing  of  Provi- 
dence. 

5th.  This  forenoon  I  took  a  walk  to  the  house 
where  G.  Baker's  family  have  removed.  It  is  about 
a  mile  from  town,  adjoining  to  the  spot  of  ground 
now  inclosing  for  the  ascent  of  the  balloon.  Mr. 
Blanch ard  was  busy  with  the  balloon  which  cover'd 
the  floor  of  a  large  room. 

Last  evening  I  ate  two  glasses  of  ice-cream  with 
the  hope  of  curing  a  cold. — This  did  not  answer  the 
purpose  effectually. — After  tea  I  took  a  dose  of  salts. 


164  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

7th.  Sunday.  I  have  been  very  much  under  the  in- 
fluence of  fear,  this  day.  For  some  wise  intention 
of  Providence  I  have  been  harrass'd  with  such  disa- 
greeable feelings  that  Life  was  rather  a  burden  to 
me.  In  spite  of  all  my  endeavours  to  attain  Forti- 
tude and  Resignation  to  whatever  happens  a  fear  of 
future  evil  has  depress'd  my  spirits. 

I  found  Mrs  Egbert  rather  worse,  and  hence 
arose  a  degree  of  anxiety. — The  family  express'd  a 
wish  to  have  Dr.  Rogers  call'd  in. — Somehow  or 
other  I  have  imbibed  such  a  dread  of  consultations 
that  the  name  struck  me  very  disagreeably. — I  be- 
lieve this  antipathy  may  be  trac'd  to  Pride,  and 
Ambition  to  act  without  the  aid  of  others. 

16th.  I  heard  of  an  incident  really  laughable. — 
One  of  Debow's  patients  had,  in  the  beginning  of 
his  complaint,  sent  for  a  person  who  called  himself 
Dr.  Smith. — This  doctor,  in  the  first  place,  gave  the 
poor  fellow  an  emetic,  and  then  desired  him  to  send 
for  some  brandy  to  bathe  him  with.  But  it  seems 
that  the  doctor  had  a  great  partiality  for  the  inter- 
nal use  of  such  a  medicine,  and  made  so  free  with  it 
that  he  was  obliged  to  lie  down  beside  his  patient. 
The  poor  fellow  found  him  a  very  unruly  bed-fel- 
low, for  he  was  almost  press'd  to  death  by  the  doc- 
tor.— "  For  God's-sake,  Doctor,  do  get  up,  or  I  shall 


APPENDIX    B.  165 

be  jamm'd  to  death,"  cries  the  patient. — At  last  he 
made  out  to  precipitate  him  to  the  floor,  and  there 
he  lay  'till  morning. — He  then  went  out  to  look  for 
his  hat  which  had  fallen  out  of  the  window  as  he 
lean'd  his  head  on  the  edge. — The  Dr.  was  dismiss'd 
because  his  patient  did  not  like  comjire-ssioti  in  fe- 
vers. 

September  1st.  A.  Tiebout  came  &  was  very 
merry . —  I  play'd  a  few  tunes  and  we  were  both  in 
a  merry  key.  He  accompanied  me  to  my  shop. — 
J.  Ferguson  came  in  and  a  few  jokes  &  jibes  passed. 
— We  heard  a  cry  of  "  Stop  thief." — Ferguson  started 
up,  overset  a  chair  &  frightened  my  landlady  pro- 
digiously.— We  ran  out,  and  saw  a  gentleman  col- 
laring a  fellow  &  declaring  that  his  comrade  had 
stolen  his  hat  off  his  head. — We  follow'd  on  with 
the  crowd,  and  enter 'd  the  watch-house. — The  gen- 
tleman desir'd  the  prisoner  would  be  taken  care  of, 
and  promised  to  appear  against  him  in  the  morning. 
"  At  5  O'clock,"  says  one  of  the  watchmen. — "  At 
5  !"  answer'd  the  plaintiff;  "  why  I  shan't  be  up 
'till  9." — The  crowd  seemed  highly  diverted  with 
this  affair.  The  man  was  next  taken  to  Alderman 
Furman's,  where  I  left  him  pleading  his  innocence. 

6th.  In  the  evening  I  took  the  drops  to  Van 
Vleck's.     Heard  some  music  from  the  young  ladies. 


166  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

Here  I  sat  above  an  hour,  not  from  choice,  for  com- 
pany was  dropping  in  and  I  wish'd  myself  away 
long  before. — The  foolish  fear  of  appearing  awk- 
ward in  taking  leave  imposed  this  restraint  upon  me. 

9th.  I  went  &  got  a  ticket  for  my  Brother  in  the 
Ha/rvard  College  Lottery.  This  is  a  present  from 
my  Mother  ;  but  the  matter  is  to  be  conceal'd  from 
him  'till  the  drawing.  If  a  prize  turns  up,*  he  is  to 
have  it ;  if  a  blank,  no  harm  is  done. — My  Mother 
offer'd  me  a  share  in  this  ticket,  but  I  refus'd  it. 

24th.  Mrs.  Penny  display'd  herself  in  a  most 
ridiculous  light,  with  the  aid  of  her  dear  liquor. — 
I  met  her  just  by  the  door,  as  I  was  coming  out. — 
She  was  staggering  and  bawling  with  a  voice  like  a 
boatswain.  "  Dr.  Anderson,"  says  she,  "  these  are 
fine  doings  ;  all  the  girls  and  married  women  falling 
in  love  with  you." — I  made  the  best  of  my  way  out 
to  avoid  the  thunder  of  her  eloquence. 

October  4th.  I  got  a  sawyer  to  procure  me  some 
hickory  wood.  He  brought  me  two  loads. — I  have 
bespoke  two  more,  and  when  my  chimney  is  swept 
may  bid  defiance  to  the  cold — at  least  within  my 
own  precincts.  I  met  Mr.  Van  Vleck  this  afternoon. 
He  turnd  about  and   took  me  to  see  a  little  boy 

*  The  ticket  drew  a  prize  of  $16. 


APPENDIX   B.  167 

with  an  abscess  on  the  thigh. — I  find  something 
very  agreeable  in  Mr.  V.  V.  He  appears  to  pass 
through  life  with  such  an  easy  indifference,  though 
by  no  means  an  inactive  member  of  society.  He  is 
entertaining  in  conversation,  a  warm  Republican, 
and  fond  of  relating  &  hearing  the  news ;  and  on 
such  occasions,  seems  to  be  much  interested  in  the 
fate  of  nations. 

8th.  Among  the  transactions  of  this  day  I  find 
none  really  worthy  of  notice, — The  fact  is,  my 
thoughts  have  been  directed  towards  a  certain  ob- 
ject, in  spite  of  my  employments.  Whether  novelty 
may  have  founded  a  temporary  attachment  for  this 
object,*  or  whether  the  anxiety  which  mingles  it- 
self with  these  reflections  denotes  some  stronger  im- 
pression, I  dare  not  yet  pronounce. — At  present  I 
find  it  incumbent  on  me  to  proceed  with  cautious 
steps  and  to  obviate  disappointment  by  repressing 
all  sanguine  hopes  of  happiness. — 

17th.  My  Father  had  been  invited  to  Van 
Vleck's  this  evening  to  hear  the  young  ladies'  music. 
— I  went  there  about  7.  The  room  was  filled  with 
company.  The  time  pass'd  away  very  agreeably, 
and  I  found  it  10  O'clock  before  I  was  ready  to  start. 

*  Miss  Ann  Van  Vleck,  whom  he  married  on  the  16th  of 
the  following  April. 


168  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

My  Father  was  highly  pleas'd  with  his  entertain- 
ment. — "  It's  a  heavenly  family  ;"  says  he,  "  I  don't 
wonder  that  the  boys  are  fascinated  with  them." 

18th.  This  evening  was  pitch'd  upon  for  view- 
ing the  Museum  by  a  party  of  us. — I  had  the  pleas- 
ure of  waiting  upon  Miss  N.  who  was  much  delight- 
ed with  the  experiments  in  electricity. — My  Broth- 
er's attempts  to  kiss  Miss  Jane,  while  insulated,  ex- 
cited no  small  mirth,  when  they  were  separated  by 
the  fire  flying  from  their  noses. 

25th.  Mr.  Hyslop,  an  old  acquaintance  of  my 
Father's  came  for  me  to  see  his  servant  girl.  He 
introduc'd  me  to  Mr.  Roberts,  an  ingenious  young 
man  lately  from  Scotland. — I  went  up  into  his  room 
with  him.  His  business  is  engraving,  and  he  has 
made  considerable  proficiency  in  that  art  without 
any  instructions. — In  one  corner  of  his  room  stood 
several  instruments  of  music,  and  his  manner  of 
handling  the  clarionet  proves  him  to  have  a  good 
ear  for  music. 

November  4th.  I  spent  most  of  the  evening  at 
Van  Vleck's,  and  heard  Miss  Nancy  play  on  the 
Forte  Piano. — I  gave  them  some  tunes  on  my  flageo- 
let, which  I  had  in  my  pocket. — Miss  M.  presented 
me  with  a  piece  of  wedding  cake,  to  dream  upon. 

December  6th.     I  spent  the  afternoon  chiefly  in 


DK.  ALEXANDER  ANDERSON. 
(Engraved  by  himself  in  his  eighty-first  year. 


APPENDIX   B.  171 

drawing,  and  at  candle-light  finish'd  an  emblemati- 
cal picture  (the  Temple  of  Hymen). — 

In  the  evening,  notwithstanding  the  rain,  I  went 
to  Van  Vleck's,  and  presented  the  picture  to  Miss 
N. — Heard  some  music  on  the  Harpsichord. 

9th.  I  was  rous'd  last  night  to  witness  a  scene 
truly  awful.  About  1  O'clock  the  fire  bells  began. 
I  listen'd  and  thought  I  heard  somebody  in  the 
street  say  that  a  store  near  the  Coffee-house  was  on 
fire. — I  hurried  on  my  clothes,  and  ran  with  trepida- 
tion towards  my  Father's.  I  had  the  satisfaction  to 
find  that  it  was  not  on  his  side  of  the  way,  but  on 
the  other,  and  some  distance  below  on  the  wharf. — 
The  flames  were  bursting  from  a  store,  and  the 
people  were  crowding  goods  into  my  Father's  and 
around  the  door. — I  assisted  in  taking  care  of  them 
for  above  an  hour.  The  wind  was  not  high,  but  the 
fire  spread  rapidly  among  the  wooden  stores,  and  by 
4  O'clock  reign'd  master  of  the  whole  block  ex- 
tending to  the  Fly -Market.*  The  cutting  down  of 
the  market  and  the  exertions  of  the  firemen  put  a 


*  At  the  time  the  first,  or  Vlaie  Market,  was  built,  a  creek 
extended  through  Pearl  Street  from  Maideu  Lane  to  the  East 
River.  The  term  "  Fly  Market"  is  a  corruption  of  the  one 
originally  adopted,  Vlaie,  meaning  to  imply  the  valley  or 
meadow  market. 


172  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

stop  to  its  progress  in  that  direction.  I  served  in 
the  ranks  near  the  market  'till  I  saw  that  the  con- 
flagration was  check'd. — 

14th.  TheRev'd  Mr.  Pilmore  enter'd  Mr.  Bates's 
room  just  as  I  was  going  to  take  my  leave.  His  be- 
haviour was  really  disgusting  to  me.  After  express- 
ing his  concern  for  Mr.  Bates,  he  rose  from  his  chair 
and  was  much  afraid  that  he  had  taken  my  seat, 
and  with  that,  ran  across  the  room  and  handed 
another  to  me.  He  then  address'd  himself  to  the 
company  and  assur'd  them  that  he  was  very  happy 
to  see  me, — that  I  was  a  person  "  who  fear'd  God," 
&c.     I  wish'd  them  good  day  and  hurried  off. 

G.  Warner,  Junr.  came  up  to  me  to-day,  and  urg'd 
me  to  go  and  vote  at  the  Poll.  I  went  to  the  City 
Hall*  and  look'd  in  at  the  door ;  but  my  heart  fail'd 
me  and  I  turn'd  back. — 

16th.  I  made  my  appearance  at  the  Poll  and 
gave  in  my  vote  for  a  Representative. — I  should 
have  overlook'd  this  business  entirely  if  Azariah 
Williams  had  not  urg'd  me  very  earnestly. 

31st.  Pleasant  weather  for  the  last  day  of  the 
year.     I  undertook  to  make  a  cure  of  Thomas  Hol- 


*  The   old  City  Hall,  at  the  corner  of  Wall  and  IS' assail 
streets. 


APPENDIX  B. 


173 


lock,  the  hypochondriac  man,  who  has,  for  a  long 
time,  "suffered  many  things  of  many  Physicians." 
My  chief  dependence  is  on  Opium.  I  stopp'd 
at  Van  Vleck's  this  forenoon,  and  there  I  learnt 
that  Miss  N.  would  be  at  Dr.  Young's  in  the  even- 
ing.— I  went  there  about  6. — Sat  awhile  and  play'd 
a  few  tunes. — Miss  N.  and  I  were  pretty  well  ban- 
ter'd  about  getting  married,  particularly  by  John 
Herttell  — We  came  away  between  7  and  8.  Went 
to  the  Moravian  Church ;  but  did  not  go  in,  for  we 
sat  in  a  room  of  the  adjoining  house  by  a  good  fire, 
where  we  could  hear  distinctly  enough. 


DIARY  FOR  1797. 


January  1st.  In  the  evening  my  Brother  and  I 
went  to  Mr.  Van  Vleck's.  Mr.  Rausch  was  there  at 
the  Piano  Forte  and  Mr.  V.  closely  attending  him. 
Mr.  Horneke  was  sitting  and  playing  pranks  with 
the  young  ladies. — The  latter  took  his  leave,  and  we 
set  off  for  Dr.  Young's  with  Misses  N.  and  J. — Spent 
part  of  the  evening  there,  and  then  walked  to  my 
Father's. 

1  took  the  liberty  to  salute  Miss  N.  with  a  kiss,  at 
parting. 

My  Father,  my  Brother  and  I  call'd  on  Mr. 
Banks,  to-day,  and  wish'd  him  the  compliments  of 
the  season. — A  neglect  of  this  would  have  been  an 
unpardonable  affront.  The  old  gentleman  lays  in 
70  wt  of  cakes  for  his  acquaintance  on  such  occa- 
sions. 

2  2d.  Sunday.  Miss  N.  Van  Vleck  drank  tea  and 
spent   the   evening   with    us.     By    the   aid   of   my 


APPENDIX  B.  175 

Mother  we  came  to  an  explanation,  and  I  had  the 
happiness  to  hear  Miss  N.  consent  to  our  union  for 
life,  before  next  May. 

February  14th.  Mr.  Van  Vleck  inform'd  me  of  a 
vacant  house  in  Beekman  Street.*  We  went  and 
view'd  it.  The  rent  is  JB130,  which,  at  the  present 
rate,  is  not  extravagant.  Miss  N's  approbation  of 
it  almost  determin'd  me  to  engage  the  house. — 

15th.  This  morning  I  went  and  bespoke  the 
house. — Mr.  Roe,  the  person  who  lets  it,  mention'd 
something  about  security,  as  we  were  strangers  to 
each  other.  However,  he  did  not  urge  the  neces- 
sity of  that,  after  my  Father  had  an  interview  with 
him. — An  obligation  was  sign'd  by  each  of  us  and 
the  business  was  over. 

17th.  Mrs.  Neil  call'd  on  me  again  to  make  some 
enquiries  about  the  Health  Committee. — She  began 
to  dilate  on  her  usual  theme,  the  abuses  at  the  Hos- 
pital on  the  Island.  I  was  fairly  tired  of  her  talk 
before  she  left  me.  As  to  attending  her  family 
gratis,  I  am  willing  at  any  time,  and  have  done  so  ; 
but  the  thought  struck  me  that  she  would  be  better 
employed  in  taking  care  of  her  little  children  than 
in  talking  me  to  death. 

*  45  Beekman  Street. 


1T6  ALEXANDER  ANDERSON,  M.D. 

20th.  To-day  I  had  a  sight  of  Palmer,  the  blind 
preacher,  together  with  Stuart  the  Pedestrian.  The 
first,  a  Deist,  and  the  latter,  an  Atheist. — I  was  at 
Fellows's  Library  when  Stuart  came  in,  leading  the 
other. — A  very  odd  conversation  took  place  between 
these  two  champions  and  Mr.  Fellows,  in  which 
Stuart  display'd  the  singular  turn  of  his  mind  in 
forcible  language.  The  others  laugh'd  heartily  at 
his  idea  of  praying  to  the  audience  instead  of  the 
Deity. 

21st.  I  went  to  the  Assembly  room  in  William 
Street  &  view'd  the  paintings  there  exposed  for 
sale.  I  spent  part  of  the  afternoon  &  evening 
with  Miss  N. — I  proposed  a  walk,  to  which  she 
agreed,  although  she  had  two  blisters  behind  her 
ears. — We  ascended  Bunker  Hill*  in  our  way,  and 
from  thence  took  a  view  of  the  city. 

23d.  I  invited  Miss  N.  to  accompany  me  to 
the  Theatre  this  evening.  Persuaded  my  Father 
and  Mother  to  join  the  party.     We   procured  the 

*  Bayard's  Mount,  sometimes  called  Bunker  Hill,  was  a 
high  hill,  overlooking  all  the  surrounding  country,  and  situ- 
ated near  the  present  Grand  and  Centre  streets.  It  was  on 
the  farm  of  Nicholas  Bayard,  which  extended  along  the  west 
side  of  the  Bowery  from  Canal  street  South  to  Bleecker  street 
on  the  North,  and  across  Broadway  to  Macdougal  street  on  the 
West,  and  comprised  more  than  sixty  of  our  present  city  blocks. 


APPENDIX  B.  177 

front  seat  of  one  of  the  side  boxes. — The  Comedy 
was  Speculation  and  the  Entertainment,  Dan  Juan, 
or  the  Libertine  Destroy'd.  At  11  "the  farce  was 
over,"  and  I  attended  my  partner  home. — 

March  3d.  It  is  lucky  for  me  that  I  have  but  lit- 
tle business  to  attend  to,  for  that  circumstance  gives 
me  a  better  opportunity  of  completing  my  present 
hobby-horse. 

Old  Mr.  Boyd,  for  whom  I  had  prepared  a  cer- 
tain medicine,  call'd  for  it  this  morning.  He  jok'd 
me  about  marrying  his  girl  (as  he  calls  her).  Mr. 
Holloway  came  to  get  his  forehead  dressed.  He  has 
receiv'd  a  wound  with  a  very  singular  weapon  ;  viz. 
another  person's  head,  which  came  in  contact  with 
his  last  night,  while  walking  the  street. 

4th.  This  afternoon  the  public  were  amused  with 
a  balloon  sent  up  by  Blanchard. — To  the  balloon 
was  suspended  a  Parachute  with  some  live  animals, 
which  at  a  considerable  height  was  disengaged  from 
the  balloon  and  fell  to  the  ground. — The  descent 
was  very  rapid  and  must  have  given  the  poor  dogs 
and  cats  little  chance  for  their  lives.  My  Brother 
and  I  went  to  Van  Vleck's,  and  from  the  roof  of  his 
house  had  a  good  view  of  the  fate  of  the  balloon, 
which  after  traversing  far  to  the  eastward  caught 
fire  and  fell. — 


178  ALEXANDER  ANDERSON,  M.D. 

10th.  Having  consider'd  the  numerous  instances 
of  the  good  effects  of  Joyce's  Balsam  and  having 
been  furnish'd  with  the  recipe  by  my  Grand-moth- 
er, I  began  to  collect  the  ingredients,  and  in  the 
course  of  the  afternoon  made  above  two  pounds  of 
it. — The  preparation  of  this,  according  to  my  Grand- 
mother's process,  would  have  been  a  business  of 
several  days. — 

28th.  I  have  been  troubled  with  very  disagree- 
able feelings  to-day. — Can  it  be  possible  that  the 
Moon  has  so  great  an  influence  on  our  bodies.  I 
really  have  reason  to  confess  its  unaccountable 
operation,  from  observations  on  myself. 

April  16th.  Sunday.  I  went  to  Church  in  the 
evening  and  heard  a  discourse  from  Mr.  Moore; 
waited  for  him  at  the  door  and  walk'd  with  him  to 
Van  Vleck's. — There,  encircled  by  a  room  full  of 
company,  Miss  Ann  Van  Vleck  gave  me  her  hand, 
and  we  were  united  in  the  bonds  of  Wedlock. — A 
propitious  hour  to  me,  in  which  the  most  amiable 
of  her  sex,  blooming  with  innocence  and  beauty, 
became  mine. 

27th.  I  drank  tea  at  Van  Vleck's  with  a  room 
full  of  young  ladies,  and  on  such  a  trying  occasion 
I  was  obliged  to  make  great  exertions  to  behave 
easy. — I  must  say  that  I  could  face  the  yellow  fever, 


APPENDIX   B.  179 

with  all  its  horrors,  with  more  composure  than  a 
strange  company. 

29th.  This  afternoon  I  went  with  Mrs.  A.  to 
Greenwood's  and  saw  him  fix  an  artificial  tooth  in 
her  jaw. — His  price  was  8  dollars. 

May  28th.  I  had  several  things  to  attend  to,  &, 
among  others,  to  draw  a  sketch  of  a  ticket  for  the 
Hospital,  from  an  idea  of  Dr.  Mitchill's — Apollo  de- 
stroying the  -Python,  which  he  supposes  is  an  alle- 
gory of  the  power  of  the  Sun  in  dissipating  conta- 
gious matter. 

June  3d.  This  forenoon  I  found  the  difficulty  of 
breathing  return. — I  was  determined  to  try  the  ef- 
fects of  wine  in  this  case,  not  from  a  fondness  for 
that  liquor,  but  from  a  conviction  of  its  necessity. — 
I  set  off  to  go  to  the  new  Vauxliall,  but,  through  a 
mistake,  enter'd  the  house  next  to  it  and  was  serv'd 
with  a  glass  of  ice-cream  instead  of  wine.  1  dis- 
patch'd  the  cream,  and,  after  viewing  a  Camera 
obscura,  came  away. — I  took  several  glasses  of  wine 
at  my  Father's  without  feeling  any  intoxication,  but 
with  some  relief  from  my  complaint. — As  a  supple- 
ment to  these  I  went  in  the  afternoon  to  the  real 
Vauxhall,  and  drank  two  glasses  of  wine  and  water. 
— By  means  of  this  remedy  I  enjoy'd  the  luxury  of 
breathing,  but  withal  discover'd  that  it  had  brought 


180  ALEXANDER  ANDERSON,  M.D. 

on  some  giddiness,  although  not  enough  to  make  me 
stagger. — I  went  off  rejoicing  in  my  success,  but  I 
might  have  been  condemn'd  as  a  wine-bibber  by  a 
person  ignorant  of  the  animal  economy. 

4th.  Sunday.  In  the  afternoon.  I  was  again  gasp- 
ing for  breath,  and  again  (sad  alternative)  went  to 
Vauxhall  and  drank  half  a  pint  of  wine. — It  had  as 
good  an  effect  as  the  former. — 

This  may  appear  as  the  commencement  of  a  hab- 
it of  drinking. — God  forbid  ! — I  have  reason  to  think 
that  I  have  by  this  means  escaped  the  attack  of  fits, 
to  which  I  am  certainly  disposed  by  the  slighter 
affections  of  that  kind  in  the  night. 

13th.  This  day  we  spent  at  our  new  place  of  resi- 
dence.* I  went  to  market  early  in  the  morning 
and  brought  home  a  leg  of  lamb  and  green  peas 
which  furnish'd  our  dinner,  with  the  help  of  some 
strawberries  <fec. !  I  engaged  a  little  girl  (Jane 
More)  to  do  house  work  at  two  dollars  a  month. — 
She  enter'd  upon  her  service  this  morning. 

20th.  This  afternoon,  according  to  arrangement, 
a  party  was  to  be  made  up  for  a  ride  to  Belle-vue. 
This  was  chiefly  for  the  sake  of  gratifying  my 
Gran d-m other,  who,  with  my  Father  and  Mother, 

*  45  Beekman  Street. 


APPENDIX   B.  183 

call'd  on  us  with  a  carriage  about  3  O'clock.  We 
stepp'd  in  after  leaving  Helen  with  the  care  of  the 
house.  Soon  reach'd  Belle-vue.  Old  Fisher  is  re- 
covering. We  procur'd  some  cherries,  and,  after 
viewing  the  beauties  of  the  situation,  set  off  again ; 
and  next  seated  ourselves  at  Palmer's  about  6  or  7 
miles  from  town. — Here  we  had  coffee.  Iieturn'd 
between  7  and  8  O'clock. 

26th.  This  forenoon  I  had  a  long  walk  under  a 
hot  sun  ;  to  the  Ship-yards,  to  Dr.  Young's  and  from 
that  up  the  Post-road  to  see  a  patient  near  Potter's 
field. — I  was  employ'd  there  thro'  the  means  of 
Marshall  the  Grave-digger. — (It  is  not  the  first 
time  Physicians  and  Grave-diggers  have  thrown 
business  into  each  other's  hands.) 

July  12.  My  mind  has  been  occupied  with  a 
scheme  which  may  appear  a  piece  of  presumption  in 
such  a  novice  in  Natural  History. — My  scheme  is,  to 
establish,  if  practicable,  a  system  of  Botany  on  the 
Fruit  of  plants.— If  this  should  turn  out  to  be  a 
fruitless  endeavour,  it  may  at  least  serve  to  throw 
some  useful  knowledge  in  my  way. 

20th.  In  the  evening  we  had  a  sort  of  a  frolic. 
My  Brother  came  in  and  dress'd  himself  in  a  suit  of 
Helen's  clothes,  while  she  put  on  a  suit  of  mine. — 
Thus  equipp'd  and  escorted  by  J.    Dougall,  Miss 


184  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

Jane,  Mr.  A.  and  myself,  they  took  a  walk,  and  sat 
awhile  with  my  Mother.  She  did  not  discover  the 
metamorphosis,  nor  had  the  least  suspicion  of  the 
disguised  couple  who  were  introduced  under  ficti- 
tious names,  'till  after  they  were  gone. 

26th.  I  prepar'd  a  piece  of  Box- wood,  and  began 
to  engrave  a  device  after  one  of  Bewick's. 

27th.  I  finish'd  engraving  the  cut  and  got  an  im- 
pression of  it  at  Sword's.  C.  Tiebout,  who  was.  ex- 
amining it  in  the  evening,  complimented  me  on  the 
neatness  of  the  work. 

29th.  I  have  now  but  little  business  of  the  medi- 
cal kind  to  attend  to,  and  have  therefore  devoted 
some  of  my  time  to  engraving. — This  latter  kind  of 
employment  has  not  as  yet  yielded  any  profit,  for  I 
have  only  been  making  experiments  and  practicing. — 
The  beautiful  specimens  of  BewieUs  work  have 
been  the  means  of  stimulating  me  to  improve  in  the 
art  of  engraving  on  wood. — 

30th.  Sunday.  It  seems  that  my  Brother,  conceiv- 
ing that  he  had  a  real  affection  for  J.  V.  V.,  had  en- 
gaged himself  to  her,  provided  she  would  wait  a 
year  or  two. — For  some  time  past  his  conduct  towards 
her  has  been  much  altered,  &  the  following  seems  to 
be  the  cause.  He  had  been  drawing  my  Father's 
will,  and   discover'd  that  such   an   union  as  he  in- 


APPENDIX   B.  185 

tended  would  be  the  means  of  cutting  him  off  pen- 
niless. What  adds  to  the  absurdity  of  his  conduct 
is  that  he  desired  my  wife  to  acquaint  Miss  J.  with 
the  latter  circumstance. 

31st.  This  day  I  paid  22  dollars  4  cents  for  real 
and  personal  taxes. 

The  dreadful  period  call'd  Quarter  day  approaches. 
I  have  been  drawing  on  the  Bank,  but  the  tax  gath- 
erer has  made  too  great  a  hole  in  the  sum  I  had 
allotted  for  rent. — 

I  have  been  planning  a  scheme  for  the  publica- 
tion of  children's  books.  Had  some  conversation 
with  M.  McFarlane  on  that  subject. 

August  4th.  I  hired  a  room  in  Fair  Street,*  of 
Nath.  Kimberly,  for  £14,  for  the  remainder  of  the 
year — ('till  next  May.)  In  this  room  I  propose  to 
open  a  Liliputian  Bookstore,  under  the  care  of  some 
honest  young  lad. — McFarlane  is  to  print  the  books, 
and  I  shall  engrave  the  cuts. — I  have  already  finish'd 
several,  having  spent  the  chief  part  of  the  afternoon 
at  them. — 

This  project  may  be  reckon'd  rather  out  of  my 
line.  I  confess  it  is,  but  the  leisure  time  which  this 
healthy  season  allows  me  may  as  well  be  spent  at 
an  Art  which   I   have  taken  some  pains  to  learn. 

*  Now  Fulton. 


186  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

My  prospects  of  profit  from  this  undertaking  are 
but  small. — I  shall  reckon  myself  lucky  if  I  can  clear 
my  expenses. 

9th.  I  bought  a  log  of  Box-wood,  at  Mr.  Turk's, 
for  engraving. 

17th.  This  forenoon  I  went  to  witness  a  spectacle 
somewhat  uncommon  in  this  city,  and  which  on  ac- 
count of  its  novelty  drew  together  a  great  concourse 
of  people.  It  was  the  execution  of  Mr.  Young  for 
the  murder  of  Barwick,  a  sheriff. — The  unhappy 
criminal  was  turn'd  off,  between  11  &  12  O'clock,  on 
the  New-road,  surrounded  by  the  soldiery. — He  ap- 
pealed composed  and  resigned. 

18th.  I  procur'd  some  asbestos  paper  from  Mr. 
Baker,  in  order  to  make  an  incombustible  wick  to  a 
lamp  ;  but  could  not  make  it  answer  the  purpose. 

19th.  I  have  had  2000  copies  of  one  book  struck 
oif,  so  that  as  soon  as  I  can  procure  a  lad  I  shall  be 
ready  to  open  my  little  bookstore. 

23d.  Mc.  Farlane  show'd  me  a  proof  of  the  second 
little  book,  the  workmanship  of  which  pleased  me 
very  much. 

I  went,  according  to  A.  Tiebout's  direction,  to  one 
Miller,  a  mulatto,  and  applied  to  him  for  his  son  as 
a  shop-keeper. — He  informal  me  that  he  had  put 
him  to  a  sail-maker,  on  trial. — In  the  afternoon  he 


APPENDIX   B.  187 

call'd  on  me,  and  concluded  to  let  me  have  his  son 
on  the  following  terms. — He  is  to  attend  the  book- 
store and  stitch  the  books.  His  pay  is  to  be  2/  per 
day,  and  I  am  to  give  him  some  instructions  in  en- 
graving on  wood. 

24th.  This  morning  my  lad  enter'd  upon  his  em- 
ployment and  appears  to  be  very  handy  at  every 
part  of  it. — I  finish'd  engraving  the  cuts  for  another 
book,  and  deliver'd  them  to  McFarlane. 

25th.  This  afternoon,  according  to  summons,  I  at- 
tended the  Court  Martial  to  show  cause  why  I  had 
not  appear'd  on  parade.  The  sight  of  my  Certificate 
was  sufficient  to  procure  me  a  dismission  even  before 
the  court  had  fully  form'd. 

My  wife  and  I,  together  with  Mr.  Van  Vleck's 
family,  went  with  Capt.  Merry  to  drink  tea  on  board 
the  Triton,  a  Swedish  brig,  at  Jackson's  wharf. — 
The  two  Captains  were  very  attentive  and  obliging. 
— The  ladies  play'd  on  a  fine  Harpsichord  which 
was  placed  in  the  cabin.  Mr.  Piatti,  a  foolish,  con- 
ceited little  Italian,  was  cutting  capers  about,  and, 
after  tossing  down  some  wine,  grew  rather  noisy. 
Saw  several  views  of  Mount  Vesuvius. — Return'd 
home  between  8  and  9  O'clock. 

September  2d.  In  the  afternoon  I  engrav'd  a  cut 
to  be  prefix'd  to  an  advertisement  in  the  Argus. — 


188  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

It  is  emblematical  and  quite  apropos  to  my  Lilipu- 
tian  Bookstore  ! — Several  children  are  represented 
playing  and  two  of  them  in  the  act  of  quarreling. 
The  Devil  is  preparing  to  claw  them,  but  is  assailed 
by  the  spear  of  Minerva  who  is  at  the  same  time 
presenting  a  small  book  to  the  children. 

Some  desponding  thoughts  are  now  and  then 
popping  in  along  with  the  Bookstore  ;  but  pride  and 
shame  forbid  me  to  retreat  until  I  have  given  the 
plan  a  fair  chance. 

18th.  I  came  to  a  resolution  of  dismissing  my 
lad,  and  sending  my  books  (of  which  I  have  above 
7000)  to  my  Father's  Auction.* 

This  was  disagreeable  news  to  the  lad  who  was 
fix'd  in  a  snug  berth,  and  was  earning  3/every  day  • 
but  poor  I  had  not  receiv'd  enough  from  the  sales 
to  pay  his  wages.  Well,  this  pretty  scheme  of  mine 
must  be  broken  up,  for  these  reasons  as  well  as 
some  others.  It  has  been  a  very  clever  hobby-horse 
for  me,  but  has  almost  thrown  me  in  the  mud,  for 
the  expenses  have  run  up  to  £25,  or  thereabouts. — 
The  printer  has  had  a  good  job  of  it,  &  I  have 
gain'd  a  lesson,  and  must  have  patience  while  the 
money  comes  slowly  dribbling  in. 

*  At  77  Wall  Street. 


IThe  Baker's  Dream. 


Pharaoh's  Dream. 

# 


APPENDIX   B.  191 

21st.  I  met  Mr.  Pilmore  at  Jn.  Post's. — He  was 
displaying  his  oratory  on  the  subject  of  Citizenship, 
and  inveighing  against  the  importation  of  Irish  emi- 
grants to  the  great  injury  of  the  worthy  Americans. 

28th.  My  Bookstore  scheme  has  cost  me  about 
.£30, — Whether  I  shall  ever  receive  my  own  money 
for  the  books  is  somewhat  doubtful.  They  go  off 
pretty  well  at  my  Father's. 

October  8th.  Sunday.  Our  little  servant  girl 
has  been  displaying  her  impudence  &  obstinacy  very 
freely  today,  in  consequence  of  which  we  have  re- 
solved to  look  out  for  another. 

12th.  I  had  the  pleasure  to  find  most  of  my  pa- 
tients in  a  thriving  way. — I  was  not  so  successful  in 
the  business  of  money  hunting. — 

I  engaged  a  little  girl  to  live  with  us — a  daughter 
of  Jacob  Rhineheart  (Public  Porter),  at  10/  a  month. 

22d.  Sunday.— Dr.  Debow  intimated  that  he  ex- 
pected I  would  be  so  obliging  as  to  bail  him  out  of 
Jail. — I  inform'd  him  of  my  resolution  in  that  busi- 
ness, and  assur'd  him  that  I  profess'd  no  friendship 
to  any  person  so  ardent  as  to  injure  myself. — 

26th.  This  afternoon  I  went  to  Dr.  Young's,  and 
drank  tea.  Was  detain'd  'till  near  dark  before  tea 
was  over. — I  then  hurried  off  my  wife  and  her  sis- 
ters, with  an  expectation  of  getting  in  time  to  the 


192  ALEXANDER  ANDERSON,  M.D. 

New  Circus. — On  entering  the  Circus  I  was  sur- 
prised at  the  beauty  of  the  decorations,  the  painting 
of  the  scenes  and  the  dresses  of  the  actors.  I  was 
highly  entertain'd  'till  10  O'clock  with  the  eques- 
trian performances  and  the  Pantomime  of  Peter  of 
Provence. 

November  20th.  This  evening  I  concluded  to 
treat  myself  with  a  visit  to  the  Theatre  in  Green- 
wich St. — My  Father  <fc  Brother  agreed  to  accom- 
pany me. — After  drinking  tea  at  my  Mother's  we 
proceeded  to  the  Play-house,  and  took  a  convenient 
seat  in  the  pit.  The  Play  was  "  All  for  Love,  or  the 
World  Well  Lost." — The  Entertainments  were 
"  Shelty's  Frolic"  and  "  Harlequin's  Invasion." — Be- 
tween the  acts  we  were  obliged  to  stamp  with  our 
feet  to  keep  warm. 

December  4th.  I  made  myself  a  sort  of  busybody 
today. — I  had  been  inform'd  that  the  Bank  Bills 
were  to  be  engraven  on  wood  by  Bewick  (in  New- 
castle upon  Tyne),  but  1  had  also  been  inform'd,  upon 
good  authority,  that  this  celebrated  engraver  was  the 
person  who  had  counterfeited  the  French  assignats 
for  the  British  Government.  In  consequence  of  this 
latter  information  I  took  the  liberty  to  write  to  the 
Cashier  of  the  New  York  Bank,  and  gave  him  a  cau- 
tion.— It  may  be  supposed  that  I  was  not  uninter- 


APPENDIX   B.  193 

ested  in  the  business,  as  the  job  would  have  been 
very  acceptable ;  but  I  never  should  have  interfered 
had  I  not  heard  the  story  of  the  assign ats. 

13th.  I  undertook  to  execute  a  small  wooden  cut 
for- Mr.  Kirk,  Printer;  and  in  the  evening  a  young 
gentleman  came  to  enquire  whether  I  still  engrav'd, 
and  employ 'd  me  to  prepare  4  stamps  for  the  Post 
Office.— 

My  medical  business  kept  me  stirring  about  dur- 
ing most  of  the  day. 

15th.  Rainy  weather,  but  warm.  I  finish'd  the 
Stamps  and  receiv'd  2  dollars  for  them. 

27th.  In  the  evening  1  engrav'd  a  wooden  cut. — 
Undertook  to  engrave  the  Title  of  "  The  Rural 
Magazine"  under  the  employ  of  Tanner. — Applied 
to  Milns  to  sketch  the  letters  in  his  masterly  style. 

29th.  I  finish'd  the  Newspaper  title  this  evening. 


DIARY   FOR    1798. 


January  2d.  I  formed  a  scheme  for  engraving  a 
Skeleton  on  wood,  of  a  large  size,  about  4  feet  by 
2. — Began  to  execute  my  scheme,  and  for  that  pur- 
pose borrow'd  the  large  edition  of  Albinus  from  Dr. 
Chickering.  Pasted  together  some  paper  for  draw- 
ing the  sketch,  and  repair'd  the  book  which  was 
somewhat  torn. 

8th.  Full  of  a  new  scheme — no  less  than  building 
a  new  System  of  Botany. — 

I  deliver'd  the  patterns  for  my  anatomical  plate 
to  a  Cabinet-maker  to  have  the  wood  prepared. 

I  saw  my  Burlesque  Ode  on  the  Five  Senses  in 
the  "  Time-piece." 

30th.  I  took  an  oath  for  Debow  at  Mr.  Kent's, 
having  put  up  his  advertisement  on  the  Jail  door  for 
six  Mondays  successively,  agreeably  to  the  Act  of 
Insolvency. 


APPENDIX  B.  195 

February  3d.  I  engaged  a  house  in  Liberty  St. 
of  James  Shaw,  at  £90  and  taxes. 

6th.  This  morning  I  went  to  the  Tontine  Tavern, 
and  regaled  myself  with  a  view  of  Mr.  Baker's 
painting  of  Gen'l  Washington,  by  Stuart.  It  is 
allowed  by  all  to  be  a  masterpiece. — The  music  of 
the  concert  clock  was  an  addition  to  our  entertain- 
ment.— Mr.  Baker  was  busy  repairing  a  barrel  organ. 

1  have  been  very  much  push'd  for  money,  and  my 
fruitless  endeavours  to  collect  it  have  put  me  in  the 
dumps. 

8th.  Very  cold  weather. — I  spent  almost  the 
whole  day  in  repairing  the  injury  which  the  sudden 
change  has  done  to  ray  wooden  plates,  by  cracking 
them. 

10th.  I  made  great  preparations  in  the  garret  for 
printing  one  of  my  plates,  and  in  the  afternoon 
procur'd  a  proof  of  it. 

12th.  I  have  finish'd  my  weighty  job  of  engrav- 
ing, at  last,  and  must  now  set  myself  to  work  to 
print  it. — My  method  of  doing  it  is  this :  The  plate 
is  laid  on  a  table  in  the  garret,  the  paper  properly 
moisten'd  is  applied  over  it,  and  on  that  some  loose 
paper.  Over  all  is  placed  a  level  board  cover 'd 
with  flannel,  and  a  strong  pressure  is  applied  to  it 
by  means  of  a  lever.     The  board  is  then  removed 


196  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

and  all  the  papers  except  one  which  covers  the 
printed  sheet ;  this  is  rubbed  with  a  smooth  piece  of 
box-wood,  and  the  business  is  done. 

On  the  6th  of  this  month  we  engaged  Nancy 
Prow  as  a  servant,  at  12/  per  month. 

16th.  I  got  another  quire  of  large  paper  for  print- 
ing, and  made  great  preparations  for  the  business. — 
Struck  off  a  few  Skeletons. 

21st.  Busy  at  finishing  off  my  books  and  printing 
Skeletons,  as  well  as  waiting  on  living  skeletons. — 
I  have  been  considering  the  means  of  lessening  my 
expenses.  In  order  to  remove  one  considerable 
source,  I  took  an  opportunity  at  bed-time  to  men- 
tion to  my  wife  the  impropriety  of  her  sister  Helen's 
further  stay  with  us,  and  insisted  peremptorily  that 
she  should  leave  us. — The  subject  had  been  canvass'd 
in  my  mind  for  some  time.  I  had  been  press'd  for 
want  of  money,  and  a  sort  of  desperation  drove  me 
to  this  resolution,  however  disagreeable  it  might  be 
to  wound  the  feelings  of  one  so  dear  to  me.  I  had 
reason  to  repent  my  rashness ;  her  tender  nature 
could  not  bear  so  rude  a  shock.  After  some  expos- 
tulations with  me  she  fell  into  a  state  of  the  most 
pitiful  distraction,  and  exhibited  such  a  deplorable 
picture  of  misery  as  would  defy  all  attempts  at 
description. 


APPENDIX   B.  199 

I  tried  every  means  of  relief,  and  partly  relin- 
quished ray  proposal,  to  calm  the  mind  of  a  person 
now  doubly  amiable  in  my  eyes. 

2 2d.  'Twas  past  3  O'clock  this  morning  before  we 
clos'd  our  eyes.  The  night  was  stormy  and  every 
thing  seem'd  to  render  the  scene  awful.  Towards 
evening  it  clear'd  up  and  became  pleasant.  My 
wife  resembled  a  corpse  this  morning,  but  began  to 
recover  her  health  and  cheerfulness  by  the  little  at- 
tentions I  took  pains  to  show  her. 

March  17th.  I  set  myself  to  work  at  sawing  out 
and  rasping  blocks  of  box-wood,  and  in  the  course 
of  the  day  turn'd  out  34  of  them. 

April  2d.  Some  days  ago  I  propos'd  to  A.  Tiebout 
the  publication  of  Bewicks  History  of  Quadrupeds, 
on  the  following  terms.  The  Cuts,  which  form  a 
material  part  of  the  work,  were  to  be  engrav'd  on 
wood  by  myself  at  the  rate  of  half  a  dollar  each. — 
All  other  expenses  were  to  be  answer'd  by  him,  and 
each  of  us  was  to  receive  a  proportional  share  of  the 
profits. — This  evening  he  agreed  to  make  trial  of  a 
half-sheet  to  be  sent  round  with  the  proposals. — I 
began  to  prepare  the  cuts. 

May  1st.  This  day  we  entirely  completed  the  im- 
portant business  of  removing.*     In  the  afternoon  I 

*  To  Liberty  St, 


200  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

went  to  V.  Vleck's,  and  found  myself  so  much  worn 
out  that  I  was  oblig'd  to  lie  down.  I  toss'd  about 
in  much  pain  for  two  hours.  Mr.  V.  Vleck  presented 
me  with  £10. 

9th.  This  day  is  appointed  by  the  President  for  a 
Fast,  Thanksgiving  &c,  but  as  my  opinions  did  not 
exactly  tally  with  those  of  his  Excellency  I  did  not 
make  a  holiday  of  it. 

14th.  I  cover'd  about  400  books  to-day.  After 
tea  I  took  a  walk,  and  sketch'd  off  a  plant. 

18th.  I  went  into  Gifhngs's,  and  got  a  pint  of 
porter,  an  action  rather  novel  to  me,  but  dictated 
more  from  a  desire  of  experiencing  its  effects  than 
from  compliance  with  custom. 

July  2d.  The  little  boy  has  lain  in  fits  all  the 
afternoon,  attended  with  a  diarrhoea  and  violent 
fever. — At  my  wife's  request  I  went  for  Mr.  Moore, 
and  had  him  christen'd  John  Alfred. 

Thermometer  at  93°  in  the  shade. — 

3d.  I  was  up  all  night  trying  every  method  for 
the  relief  of  my  little  boy,  but  in  vain,  for  he  died 
at  2  this  morning* 

At  day-break  I  took  a  walk,  and,  happening  to 
find  myself  near  a  Cabinet-maker's,  1  knock'd  him 
up,  and  bespoke  a  coffin. 

*  He  was  only  three  months  old,  having  been  born  April  5th. 


APPENDIX  B.  201 

I  spent  a  great  part  of  the  day  in  running  about  to 
arrange  matters  for  the  funeral.  At  5  went  off  in 
a  coach  with  my  Father,  Brother  and  Mr.  Moore  to 
St.  Paul's  Church,  and  saw  the  remains  interred  next 
to  those  of  my  Brother  William. 

5th.  I  have  made  considerable  exertions  to  procure 
my  wife  a  suit  of  mourning,  from  an  expectation  of 
its  diverting  her  mind.  To  oblige  her  I  have  worn 
a  crape  on  my  hat,  though  I  disapprove  the  custom. 

August  29th.  My  wife  proposes  a  jaunt  to  Bush- 
wick,  Long-Island,  for  the  recovery  of  her  health. 

30th.  Busy  in  the  morning  among  patients.  At 
111  got  a  carriage,  and  took  my  wife  and  Jane  to 
Cannon's.  From  that  we  cross' d  over  with  A.  Tie- 
bout  to  Bushwick  and  settled  them  at  Mr.  Skil- 
man's. 

I  met  Dr.  Bailey  in  the  street. — He  desired  me  to 
look  out  for  a  Physician  for  Belle-vue  Hospital. — I 
proposed  myself,  and  waited  on  the  Health  Commis- 
sioners, Oothout  <&  A  drams.  My  proposal  was  ac- 
cepted, and  I  engaged  to  enter  on  the  business  to- 
morrow at  £%  a  day. 

I  had  some  trouble  in  disposing  of  my  patients. — 
Dr.  Chickering's  timidity  surpris'd  me.  I  could  not 
prevail  on  him  to  attend  two  children  labouring 
under  the  yellow  fever. 


202  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

31st.  This  morning  early  I  call'd  on  Dr.  Bailey, 
and  breakfasted  there.  As  soon  as  the  boat  was 
ready,  I  was  row'd  to  Belle-vue. 

About  20  patients  were  at  the  Hospital  when  I 
came. — 4  died  in  the  course  of  the  day  and  14  ad- 
mitted. 

September  2d.  This  morning  I  rode  to  town. 
Stopp'd  in  Eagle  Street  to  see  Dr.  Chiekering.  He 
had  been  seized  with  the  yellow-fever;  but  enter- 
tains hopes  of  a  speedy  recovery,  and  then  he  in- 
tends to  practice  without  fear. 

5th.  Very  busy.  In  the  afternoon  my  Father 
came  up  and  told  me  that  John  was  sick. — Dr. 
Chiekering  is  dead  ! 

8th.  A  heavy  blow  !  I  saw  my  brother  this  morn- 
ing, and  entertain'd  hopes  of  his  recovery.  In  the 
afternoon  I  found  him  dead !  I  put  him  in  the 
coffin,  and,  finding  that  the  funeral  would  be  delay'd 
'till  dark,  I  left  my  poor  parents  struggling  with 
their  fate,  and  return'd  to  Belle-vue. 

Thus  died  an  amiable  brother,  untainted  with  the 
vices  of  the  world,  and  ill-suited  to  struggle  with  its 
trials. 

10th.  This  morning  I  found  my  Father  so  ill  that 
I  could  not  think  of  remaining  any  longer  at  the 
Hospital. — I  settled  matters  as  well  as  I  could  for 


APPENDIX   B.  203 

the  convenience  of  Mr.  Douglas,*  and  came  down 
with  Dr.  Bailey  in  the  boat. 

11th.  In  the  evening  Alderman  Furman  sent  for 
me,  and  inform'd  me  that  I  was  appointed  one  of 
the  Physicians  for  the  poor. 

I  enter'd  on  my  new  office  by  visiting  one  patient 
in  a  damp  cellar. 

12th.  "  Thy  shaft  flew  thrice,  and  thrice  my  peace 
was  slain."  My  Father  died  at  half  after  4  this 
morning. 

I  put  him  in  the  coffin  with  the  assistance  of  my 
Mother  who  show'd  more  than  heroic  fortitude  on 
this  melancholy  occasion. 

In  the  afternoon  I  went  to  Bushwick,  and  met 
with  as  great  a  shock. — The  sight  of  my  wife,  ghastly 
and  emaciated,  constantly  coughing  &  spitting,  struck 
me  with  horror.  I  return'd  to  my  Mother's  with  a 
heavy  heart. 

13th.  This  morning  I  heard  of  the  death  of  my 
wife  !  Those  who  knew  her  worth  may  imagine 
my  feelings.  At  1  O'clock  I  set  off  with  Mr.  &  Mrs. 
V.  Vleck  and  Polly  for  Bushwick.  We  first  got  on 
board  a  boat  at  the  Fly-Market,  but  finding  that  we 
should  be  detain'd  near  the  Ship-yards  while  taking 

*  His  assistant  at  the  Hospital. 


204  ALEXANDER  ANDERSON,  M.D. 

in  some  boards  I  persuaded  them  to  get  out  and 
walk  to  Corlear's-hook.*  There  we  got  a  boat,  and 
soon  cross'd  over. — The  Joiner,  with  his  new-fash- 
ion'd  coffin,  detain'd  us  'till  towards  evening.  We 
follow'd  the  remains  of  my  dear  Ann  to  the  grave, 
about  a  mile  distant. 

14th.  Immers'd  in  business.  I  prevail'd  on  my 
Mother  to  remove  to  my  house,  and  found  her  more 
lively. 

I  feel  surpris'd  at  my  own  composure,  and  am 
rather  disposed  to  impute  it  to  despair  than  resig- 
nation. 

18th.  The  Police  engaged  to  pay  for  my  horse 
and  chair.f — I  was  in  danger  of  making  a  very  un- 
successful beginning  with  it.  I  left  the  chair  at  the 
door  of  one  of  my  patients,  and  while  I  was  busy 
in  the  house  the  horse  had  drawn  it  farther  on  and 
was  just  ready  to  crush  the  thigh  of  a  child,  when  I 

*  Now  the  foot  of  Grand  Street  and  the  East  River. 

f  This  usage  of  the  word  chair  is  now  uncommon  ;  but  we 
find  the  following  definition  in  Webster's  Dictionary  :  "  Chair, 
a  vehicle  for  one  person  ;  either  a  sedan  borne  upon  poles,  or 
a  two-wheeled  carriage,  drawn  by  one  horse,  a  gig."  The 
more  usual  name  chaise  is  derived  from  it  through  the  French, 
by  changing  r  into  s,  in  accordance  with  a  peculiar  Parisian 
pronunciation  (chaise  for  chair e). 


APPENDIX   B.  205 

snatch'd  it  from  under,  and  was  happy  to  find  it  un- 
hurt. 

21st.  My  Mother  died  at  10  this  morning.  "  I 
never  shall  look  upon  her  like  again." 

I  resign'd  the  business  of  the  Police,  for  I  find 
that  hurry,  at  this  time,  is  death  to  me. 

24th.  Mrs.  V.  Vleck's  case  is  one  which  shocks 
and  surprises  me.  After  lying  in  a  moisture  yester- 
day, with  the  appearance  of  recovery,  she  fell  into 
a  state  of  insensibility  this  morning — had  the  black 
vomit,  and  died  at  4  in  the  after-noon. 

Discourag'd  with  my  business,  but  determin'd  to 
hold  out  while  the  Epidemic  continues. 

October  12  th.  Polly*  died  this  morning  at  3 
O'clock.  I  had  her  remains  interred  in  the  Moravi- 
an Church-yard  before  9.     Ferguson  and  I  follow'd. 

1 3th.  I  slept  at  my  Father-in-law's  last  night,  and 
endeavour  to  spend  as  much  time  as  possible  with 
his  family,  now  reduc'd  to  himself  and  Jane. — Hel- 
en is  at  Bethlehem. 

2 2d.  I  have  now  an  opportunity  of  leaving  town, 
since  my  patients  are  reduced  to  5. 

At  1 1  I  took  my  seat  in  the  Boston  Mail,  and 
was  soon  join'd  by  Dr.  Bayard. — A  son  of  Mars  was 

*  His  sister-in-law. 


206  ALEXANDER   ANDERSON,  M.D. 

another  of  our  company — a  personage  of  great  con- 
sequence in  his  own  opinion. 

Din'd  at  Kingsbridge. — Supp'd  at  Marenner's  at 
Rye  where  we  shall  expect  a  nap. 

23d.  I  got  a  short  nap  last  night,  and  was  rous'd 
at  5  this  morning. 

About  8  arrived  at  Stamford,  and  breakfasted  at 
the  Post  Office,  waiting  for  the  rain  to  cease. 

I  soon  hurried  on,  and  was  joyfully  receiv'd  by 
my  Aunt*  &,  Grandmother,  and  in  a  friendly  man- 
ner by  my  Uncle,  who  is  such  an  old  young  man 
that  he  never  vibrates  to  the  point  of  joy. 

25th.  I  took  leave  of  my  kind  relations,  and 
stepp'd  into  the  stage  in  the  afternoon.  Supp'd  at 
Rye. 

26th.  Had  a  restless  night. — Was  rous'd  about  4, 
and  resum'd  my  seat.  Breakfasted  at  Kingsbridge. 
— Went  to  the  top  of  a  hill  near  Fort  Washington, 
and  enjoy'd  a  fine  prospect.  About  12  arrived  in 
town. 

November  5th.  I  have  a  convenient  room  at  V. 
Vleck's,  and  am  to  board  with  the  family  at  the  ex- 
pense of  providing  part  of  the  wood  and  winter  pro- 
visions. 

*  Mrs.  Davenport. 


APPENDIX   B.  207 

7th.  The  furniture,  with  a  box  of  plate  and 
about  six  hundred  pounds  in  the  Bank,  was  the 
whole  property  of  which  my  Father  was  pos- 
sess'd. 

December  7th.  I  find  that  the  advice  is  very  good 
which  recommends  it  to  a  person  to  sleep  on  a  proj- 
ect. Last  night  I  had  almost  concluded  on  under- 
taking the  publication  of  the  Quadrupeds  / — but 
now,  find  there  are  other  obstacles  besides  an  ex- 
pense of  almost  £300. — 

I  intended  to  confine  myself  to  wood-engraving ; 
but  C.  Tiebout  wishes  me  to  undertake  a  map,  and 
I  cannot  resist  the  offer. — I  began  to  draw  a  female 
anatomical  figure  from  Duverney. — 

15th.  Aunt  Carpender  requested  me  to  stand 
Godfather  to  Buel's  child. — I  promised  at  once,  but 
after  seeing  the  form  of  baptism  went  back  and  re- 
canted. 

23d.  Sunday.  I  infring'd  upon  my  general  rule 
and  labour'd  at  the  map  all  day — except  in  the  after- 
noon, when  I  took  a  walk  with  C.  and  A.  Tiebout 
to  a  short  distance  from  town,  &  pitch'd  a  few  flip- 
flaps  in  the  snow. 

24th.  This  morning  A.  T.  and  myself  concluded 
on  a  journey  to  Stamford. — After  hurrying,  (con- 
trary to  my  system)  I  got  ready  by  11,  and  we  seat- 


208  ALEXANDER  ANDERSON,  M.D. 

ed  ourselves  in  the  Boston  Mail  Stage.* — The  sleigh- 
ing was  very  good — and  we  glided  as  far  as  Mare  li- 
ner's at  Rye  by  5  in  the  afternoon. — This  was  to  be 
our  resting  place  'till  morning,  and  a  consultation 
was  held  to  determine  a  method  for  spending  the 
long  evening. — I  went  with  part  of  the  company 
to  the  Church,  and  heard  part  of  the  service.  When 
Ave  return'd  Marenner  inform'd  us  that  the  Crab 
shell  was  come. — It  was  strung  left-handed,  so  that 
none  of  us  could  handle  it  but  the  owner,  and  we 
were  obliged  to  hear  the  old  negro  murder  some 
tunes  in  cold  blood. — In  order  that  they  might  not 
all  be  heard  in  cold  blood  a  dance  was  propos'd,  in 
which  Roosevelt  and  the  pistol  Englishman  acquit- 
ted themselves  very  well.  We  two  old  fellows 
were  obliged  to  fall  in  and  shuffle. 

25th.  The  dancing,  or  the  cider,  or  some  other 
cause,  prevented  my  sleeping  more  than  an  hour  or 
so,  last  night.     I  was  talking  and  whistling,  between 

*  The  stages  running  between  Boston  and  New  York  car- 
ried the  mails,  and  left  here  every  Wednesday  and  Friday. 
The  time  occupied  in  reaching  New  Haven  alone  was  twenty- 
six  hours,  and  Hartford,  forty-two  hours ;  in  a  word,  the 
whole  trip  was  performed,  from  No.  50  Cortlandt  Street  to 
Boston  city,  in  seventy-seven  hours.  Doubtless  the  route  had 
the  aspect  of  a  wilderness,  and  the  roads,  in  consequence,  were 
rough  and  hilly. 


APPENDIX   B.  209 

sleeping  and  waking,  so  that  my  fellow  lodgers  could 
not  have  rested  much  better. 

We  resumed  our  seats  about  5  this  morning,  and 
arrived  early  in  Stamford.  Went  into  the  kitchen 
immediately,  and  found  my  Grand-mother  and 
Phyllis  making  &  baking  pies. — My  Aunt  and  Mr. 
Davenport  were  soon  rous'd,  and  gave  us  a  hearty 
welcome  — After  breakfast  we  took  a  walk  to  the 
landing,  but  could  find  no  boat  ready  to  sail. 

Din'd,  in  company  with  several,  at  my  Aunt's, 
and  at  3  took  leave  of  them  and  station'd  ourselves 
at  the  Post-Office  to  wait  for  the  stage.  The  stage 
came  along,  but,  alas,  there  was  no  room  for  us. — 
Determin'd  to  get  home  by  some  means,  we  set  off 
on  foot,  and  at  5  reach'd  Horse-neck.  At  a  tavern, 
where  we  stopp'd  for  a  drink,  we  heard  of  a  boat 
ready  to  sail  in  the  morning. — This  was  joyful  news 
&  we  ate  a  hearty  supper  on  the  strength  of  it. — 
We  were  shown  the  head  of  the  lane  which  led  to 
the  place,  Indian  harbour,  and,  after  following  it 
near  two  miles,  found  the  sloop  taking  in  her  lad- 
ing. The  cabin  was  fill'd  with  men  and  women,  or 
rather  imitations  of  men  &  women — for  their  con- 
versation was  of  the  lowrest  kind.  We  found  out  a 
berth,  and  hope  to  get  a  little  sleep. — 

26th.  I  had  an  excellent  nap  notwithstanding  the 


210 


ALEXANDER  ANDERSON,  M.D. 


noise  in  the  cabin  and  the  music  of  half  a  dozen 
game  cocks  stowed  in  the  lockers. — At  day-light  we 
found  ourselves  under  way  in  the  sound — with  a 
gentle  breeze  and  the  weather  overcast.  Mess'd 
with  the  boatmen,  and  made  ourselves  as  contented 
as  possible  'till  4  in  the  after-noon,  when  we  landed 
once  more  in  our  beloved  old  city. 

31st.  Engraving  wooden  cuts.  Spent  part  of  the 
evening  at  R.  Davis's,  and  saw'd  away  on  the  Violin 
for  him. — 

As  my  head  is  not  very  fertile  at  present  I  can 
make  but  few  remarks  on  this  past  year. 

A  tremendous  scene  have  I  witnessed, — but  yet  I 
have  reason  to  thank  the  great  Author  of  my  ex- 
istence, and  am  still  convinced  that  "  Whatever  is, 
is  right."     I  make  no  petition  for  the  ensuing  year. 


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